The theory of biogenesis wasn't discovered by a single person. It was the culmination of many scientists' work and experiments that gradually disproved the theory of spontaneous generation (the idea that living things could arise from non-living matter).

Here are some key figures in the development of the theory of biogenesis:

* Francesco Redi (1626-1697): He conducted experiments with decaying meat, demonstrating that maggots only appeared when flies had access to the meat. This was one of the first challenges to spontaneous generation.

* Lazzaro Spallanzani (1729-1799): He showed that microorganisms wouldn't appear in boiled broth if it was sealed. However, his results were criticized because sealing the broth was thought to prevent the "vital force" needed for spontaneous generation.

* Louis Pasteur (1822-1895): He conducted his famous swan-neck flask experiment, conclusively proving that microorganisms did not arise spontaneously. He boiled broth in flasks with swan-neck openings that allowed air to enter but trapped dust particles. The broth remained sterile until the neck was broken, allowing dust to enter and contaminate the broth.

Therefore, while Louis Pasteur is credited with providing the definitive experiment that disproved spontaneous generation, the theory of biogenesis was the result of the collective work of many scientists over centuries.