Jan Swammerdam

Swammerdam, Jan (1637–80), Dutch entomologist, zoologist, and anatomist, who made major contributions to research on insect metamorphosis, life cycles, and anatomy. He also studied red blood cells and the working nerves and muscles in animals, showing that muscles change their configuration but not their size when contracting. His written works include A General History of Insects, and the Bible of Nature.

See also: Entomology; Zoology.