Final answer:
The creation of the early simple microscopes by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek allowed for the first observations of microbes. These microscopes were simple yet more powerful than their contemporaries, leading to the birth of microbiology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first tools created to allow for viewing of microbes were the early microscopes developed by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. Often referred to as "the Father of Microbiology," van Leeuwenhoek created microscopes powerful enough to observe single-celled organisms, which he reported in 1674. Originally a fabric merchant, his interest in lens making led to significant innovations, allowing him to become the first person to view microbes, including what he described as "animalcules" or "wee little beasties". Even though van Leeuwenhoek's microscopes were simple compared to today's standards, they provided better resolution than the compound microscopes of his day. The birth of microbiology can be traced to these pivotal observations by van Leeuwenhoek, confirmed later through additional advancements in microscopy like the modern light microscope by Joseph Jackson Lister in 1830 and electron microscopy in the 20th century.