In early microscopic examination of cells the cells had to be preserved before viewing. This killed the cells and prevented processes like meiosis from being observed in action. Additionally, it wasn't until DNA stains were discovered that the behavior of chromosomes during meiosis could be observed.
- Hertwig (1876) - Observed one cell dividing to create four cells, making sea urchin eggs.
- Van Beneden (1883) - Discovered how chromosomes move during meiosis by studying roundworms.
- Weismann (1890) - Theorized how the meiotic divisions could lead to daughter cells with only half of the genetic information.