In Western Europe the roots of scientific entomology
and insect morphology go back to the 17th century.
In 1669 the Dutch naturalist, anatomist and microscopist Jan Swammerdam (1637–1680) published hisremarkable bookHistoria Insectorum Generalis(“The
Natural History of Insects”), focused on the development and metamorphosis of insects. Swammerdam’s
investigations were remarkably modern, already characterized by careful dissections, a comparative approach
and the efficient use of microscopy.