What are animocules?

Animocules is an outdated term historically used to describe microscopic organisms, particularly protists and small animals observed under a microscope. The term was popularized in the 17th century by scientists like Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who was among the first to study these tiny life forms. Today, we refer to these organisms using more specific classifications such as bacteria, protozoa, and other microscopic life forms.