These were first seen in human cells in 1882; the exact number, 46, was determined in 1956
(Jon of the Clue 
Crew... [DOC] [TLE] PARADIGM LOST: THE HUMAN CHROMOSOME STORY [PAR] The knowledge that humans have a diploid chromosome number of 46 has an ... 
With improved chromosome preparation techniques and common use of cell 
cultures, the ... Keywords: human chromosome number, paradigm shift, sex 
determination ....