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Inventor, physicist, astronomer, biologist, artist... Robert Hooke was all these and more. Some say he was the greatest experimental scientist of the 17th century. In the course of his work, he cooperated with famous men of science like Isaac Newton, and the great architect Christopher Wren.
Hooke's early education began at home, under the guidance of his father. He entered Westminster School and from there he went to Oxford, where he came in contact with some of the best scientists in England. Hooke impressed them with his skills at designing experiments and inventing instruments. In 1662, he was named Curator of Experiments at the newly formed Royal Society of London — meaning that he was responsible for demonstrating (展示) new experiments at the society's weekly meetings. Hooke accepted the job, even though he knew that the society had no money to pay him!
Watching living things through a microscope was one of his favourite pastimes. He invented a compound microscope for this purpose. One day while observing a cork (软木塞) under a microscope, he saw honeycomblike structures. There were cells — the smallest units of life. In fact, it was Hooke who invented the term “cell” as the boxlike cells of the cork reminded him of the cells of some place.
Another achievement of Hooke's was his book Micrographia, which introduced the enormous potential of the microscope. It contains fascinating drawings of the things he saw under the microscope. The book also includes, among other things, ideas on gravity, light and combustion (燃烧) that may have helped scientists like Newton when they were developing their own theories on these phenomena.
Hooke made a valuable contribution to astronomy, too. A crater (坑) on the moon is named after him in honour of his services to this branch of science.
1.Why did Hooke accept the job as Curator of Experiments?
A.He was good at designing experiments.
B.His family needed his support.
C.He wanted to please the famous scientists in England.
D.His parents couldn't afford his education.
2.What does the underlined word “pastimes” in Paragraph 3 mean?
A.Jobs. B.Experiments.
C.Hobbies. D.Structures.
3.What can we learn from the text?
A.Hooke went to Oxford in 1662.
B.Hooke was well paid in the Royal Society of London.
C.Hooke made a contribution to medicine.
D.Hooke's book Micrographia might have helped Newton.
4.What is the last paragraph to prove?
A.Hooke was the greatest experimental scientist of the 17th century.
B.Hooke was good at making discoveries.
C.Hooke's contributions were not limited to one field.
D.Hooke was one of the greatest astronomers.