Theodor Schwann was a German physiologist born on December 7, 1810. He is best known for his contributions to the development of the cell theory, which states that all living organisms are composed of cells. Schwann's work laid the foundation for understanding the structure and function of cells, and he is often credited with coining the term "cell" in a biological context. In addition to his work on cell theory, Schwann conducted research on the nervous system and discovered Schwann cells, which are essential for the myelination of nerve fibers. His findings have had a lasting impact on the fields of biology and medicine, influencing how scientists study and understand cellular processes. Schwann passed away on January 11, 1882.