By Ralf Dahm Nuclear Degradation in the Lens, circa 1897–1899 The developing lens (progressing left to right in the top line, then left to right in the bottom line) invaginates from the surface and pinches off as a hollow vesicle. The remaining cells then elongate to fill the vesicle and form a solid lens. Finally, the cells in the center of the lens degrade their nuclei and other organelles. Courtesy of Zeitschrift für wissensch

Alzheimer's drawing of a histological section from his second patient, Johann F. Credit: Image supplied by author, obtained from Zeitschrift fur die Gesamte Neurologie und Pyschiatrie, 1911." />Alzheimer's drawing of a histological section from his second patient, Johann F. Credit: Image supplied by author, obtained from Zeitschrift fur die Gesamte Neurologie und Pyschiatrie, 1911. On

Miescher's laboratory located in an old Tübingen castle kitchen. Credit: Courtesy of Tübingen University Library" />Miescher's laboratory located in an old Tübingen castle kitchen. Credit: Courtesy of Tübingen University Library In the winter of 1869, the young Swiss doctor, Friedrich Miescher, was attempting nothing less than to uncover the biochemical nature of life using