The Peritrichs, Now and Then: 1676 to 1973

Since Leeuwenhoek's time, nearly 300 years ago, the peritrich ciliates have attracted the attention of scientists. Accordingly, this address scans the highlights of advances is knowledge concerning peritrichs during the period 1676-1973. Attention is given to the controversies regarding the taxonomic position of peritrichs over the years and the impact of transmission and scanning electron microscopy on views about the morphology of peritrichs is touched upon. Some comments and predictions about ecology, saprobicity, physiology, and molecular biology, as related to peritrichs, are made. The literature cited should guide readers to many useful publications on the various topics treated.