Robert Koch was a doctor and scientist. According to Blevins and Bronze (2010), his work “launched the new field of medical bacteriology” and “ushered in a 'golden age' of scientific discovery and a new era of public health” (p. E744). Brock (1999) stated that Robert Koch was “one of the most important figures in medical science and was also the founder of bacteriology” (p. xxi). How did one man accomplish so much and have such a profound impact on the world around him? The three areas that need to be examined to reveal the magnitude of influence he possessed are as follows: • The life of Robert Koch • Microscopes, research and groundbreaking discoveries • Beyond one man These topics will delve into the history surrounding Robert Koch and shows how incredible his impact was not only in his time, but continues today. The Life of Robert Koch Robert Koch was born on December 11, 1843 in Clausthal, Germany. He was one of thirteen children, although two of them died in infancy. His father was a mining engineer and his mother was very busy at home with all the children. Robert's uncle, Eduard Biewend, was highly educated, devoted to the study of nature and interested in photography. As a child he took Robert on field trips and got him interested in the natural sciences. Robert attended the University of Göttinberg, where he was initially going to study to become a teacher, but after the first semester he switched to medical studies. In 1866, at the age of 23, he obtained a medical degree and passed the state exam to practice medicine. He initially wanted to travel as a ship's doctor, but became engaged to Emmy Fraatz and so stayed to take a position as a medical assistant at the Hamburg General Hospital. The p...... half of the article ......tions and epidemiology around 1900. Studies In History & Philosophy Of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, 41(3), 232-240. doi:10.1016/j.shpsc.2010.04.012 Jakobi, S. (2010). An economical and safe experiment to demonstrate Koch's Postulates using citrus fruits. Journal Of Biological Education, Biological Society, 44(4), 190-192. Lagerkvist, U. (2003). Pioneers of microbiology and Nobel Prize winner. Riveredge, NJ: World Scientific.Münch, R. (2003). Roberto Koch. Microbes and Infections, 5(1), 69-74. Robert Koch Institute. (2013a). Museum and Mausoleum. Retrieved from http://www.rki.de/EN/Content/Institute/History/mausoleum_node_en.htmlRobert Koch Institute. (2013b). Welcome to the Robert Koch Institute. Retrieved from http://www.rki.de/EN/Home/homepage_node.htmlTyagi, F. S. (2006). The timeless legacy of Robert Koch. Resonance: Journal of Science Education, 11(9), 20-28.