Pioneers:
* Aristotle (384-322 BC): Considered the "father of embryology" for his detailed observations of chick embryos and his theories on development.
* William Harvey (1578-1657): Famous for his work on blood circulation, he also made important contributions to embryology with his studies of mammalian embryos.
* Marcello Malpighi (1628-1694): An early microscopist who provided detailed descriptions of chick development, including the formation of blood vessels and the heart.
Modern Masters:
* Wilhelm Roux (1850-1924): Considered one of the founders of experimental embryology, he pioneered techniques to manipulate embryos and study their development.
* Hans Spemann (1869-1941): Nobel Prize winner for his work on embryonic induction and the discovery of the organizer, a region that controls the development of the body axis.
* Lewis Wolpert (born 1929): Known for his work on positional information and how cells know their position in the body.
* Susan Gilbert (born 1948): Leading researcher on sex determination and the evolution of development.
Other notable embryologists:
* Viktor Hamburger (1900-2001): Known for his work on limb development and the role of nerves in shaping limb structures.
* Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard (born 1942): Nobel Prize winner for her work on identifying genes involved in embryonic development in fruit flies.
* Edward Lewis (1918-2004): Nobel Prize winner for his work on identifying genes involved in body plan development in fruit flies.
The "most famous" embryologist depends on the criteria you use. Do you want someone with historical significance, groundbreaking discoveries, or a lasting impact on the field?
Let me know if you'd like to learn more about a specific embryologist or aspect of embryology, and I can provide more information!