Histology is the study of tissues at a microscopic level. In the late 1700s, Bichat described 21 tissues based on gross dissection without a microscope. Improvements to the microscope by Leeuwenhoek allowed other scientists to examine tissues at a microscopic level. In the 17th century, Hooke discovered cells by examining cork with a microscope. Similar compartments were later found in animal tissues. In 1832, Schleiden and Schwann proposed the cell theory that all tissues are composed of cells. Stains were later introduced to increase contrast when examining cells. The basic tissues are epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous tissue. Henle is credited with creating the first histology based on detailed microscopic examination