How did microscopes change our ideas about living things?

Microscopes are devices that allow us to view extremely small objects and features. A compound microscope is a common feature of school laboratories and is generally used to look at small features of leaves, animals, etc. 

Before the advent of microscopes, it was really tough to believe that extremely small and practically invisible (at least to our naked eye) organisms exist and that smaller parts make up larger organisms. It was only after we started...

Microscopes are devices that allow us to view extremely small objects and features. A compound microscope is a common feature of school laboratories and is generally used to look at small features of leaves, animals, etc. 

Before the advent of microscopes, it was really tough to believe that extremely small and practically invisible (at least to our naked eye) organisms exist and that smaller parts make up larger organisms. It was only after we started using microscopes that we could confirm the existence of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, viruses, etc. More powerful microscopes allowed us to view cells and their organelle and confirmed cell theory. Microscopic observations have also helped us distinguish between benign microbes and pathogens and helped us develop medicines.

Thus, our view of life at the smallest scale (nano and micro scales) has been completely revolutionized by the microscope.

Hope this helps.