DNA, a crucial component of life, has a history that dates back to the late 19th century. Its discovery is attributed to Johann Friedrich Miescher, a Swiss scientist who identified it in 1869 while conducting research at the University of Tübingen in Germany. This revelation marked the beginning of our understanding of the genetic material that forms the basis of all living organisms.

Bill Bryson's book, "A Short History of Nearly Everything," highlights the significance of Miescher's work in the context of scientific discovery. Despite being a foundational element of biology, the discovery of DNA's structure and function has evolved significantly since Miescher's time, underscoring the progression of scientific knowledge over the years.