Hugo von Mohl was a German botanist
who was a major figure in the emerging fields of plant anatomy and
physiology in the mid-19th century. His research on the plant cell, in
particular the cell wall and cell division, paved the way for the
development of the cell theory. His works helped in establishing botany
as a distinct scientific field. Born into a socially respected family as
the son of a statesman, he received a classical education. From an
early age, he displayed a keen interest in botany and mineralogy,
subjects which he pursued in his leisure time. He studied medicine on
growing up, but his deep interest in botany led him to Munich where he
collaborated with a group of distinguished botanists and began his
research. His research covered diverse botanical fields, and he gained
much attention for his description of the behavior of the protoplasm in
cell division. Appointed a professor of botany in Tübingen, he spent his
entire career there, immersing himself in research whenever he was not
teaching. Over the course of his career he made many valuable
contributions to botany, especially on the anatomy of the plant cell. He
was the first to propose that new cells are formed by cell division and
also provided the first clear explanation of the role of osmosis.
Childhood & Early Life
Hugo
von Mohl was born on 8 April 1805, in Stuttgart, Germany. His father,
Benjamin Ferdinand von Mohl, was a Württemberg statesman. Hugo had three
brothers.
Major Works
- Hugo von Mohl made several significant contributions to the study of plant cell. He first described the behavior of the protoplasm in cell division and demonstrated the cellular origin of vessels and of fibrous cells. He also performed important anatomical work on the stems of dicotyledons and gymnosperms.
Awards & Achievements
- He was made a corresponding member of the Institut de France in 1838.
- The Order of the Crown of Württemberg was bestowed upon him in 1843, conferring upon him a title of nobility.
- In 1850, he was elected a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
- He was elected foreign fellow of the Royal Society in 1868.
Personal Life & Legacy
- Hugo von Mohl never married and dedicated his entire life to scientific pursuits.
- He suffered from ill health during his later years which affected his productivity. He died suddenly on 1 April 1872, at the age of 66.
