Louis Pasteur
Occupation: Chemist and
microbiologist
Born: December 27,
1822 in Dole, France
Died: September 28,
1895 in Marnes-la-Coquette, France
Best known for: The
discovery of vaccinations, pasteurization, and proving that germs cause
disease.
Biography:
Early Life
Louis Pasteur was
born in Dole, France on December 27, 1822. His family was poor and during his
early education he was an average student who enjoyed art and singing. However,
when Louis was exposed to science as a teenager, he knew he had found his
calling.
College and Career
In 1838, Louis went to college to become a science teacher.
He earned degrees in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He then became a
chemistry professor at the University of Strasbourg.
While at the University he fell in love with the
daughter of the university's rector, Marie Laurent. He and Marie married in
1849. They had five children, however, three died young from typhoid fever. It
was the deaths of his children that drove Louis to investigate infectious
diseases in order to find a cure.
Scientific Discoveries
Bacteria and Germ Theory
During Pasteur's time, people believed that microbes such as bacteria appeared
due to "spontaneous generation." They thought that the bacteria just
appeared out of nowhere. Pasteur ran experiments to see if this was true.
Through his experiments he proved that germs (i.e. bacteria) were living things
that came from other living things. They didn't just spontaneously appear. This
was a major discovery in the study of biology and earned Pasteur the nickname
the "Father of Germ Theory."
Pasteurization
Pasteur used his knowledge of germs to investigate how beverages such as wine
and milk were spoiled by microbes such as bacteria and molds. He found that
heating up the liquids would kill most of the microbes and allow the beverages
to last longer and be safer to drink. This process became known as pasteurization
and is still done on many foods such as milk, vinegar, wines, cheese, and
juices.
Silk Worms
As Pasteur learned more and more about bacteria, he began to think they may be
the cause of disease in humans. When the French silk market was threatened by a
disease to silkworms, Pasteur decided to investigate. He discovered that this
disease was caused by microbes. By eliminating the microbes from the silkworm
farms, he was able to end the disease and save the French silk business.
Vaccinations
Pasteur continued to investigate with diseases. He found that he could make a
weak form of a disease that would cause people to become immune to the stronger form of the
disease. He called this weak form a "vaccine." He first discovered
this by working with cattle on the disease anthrax. The first vaccine he gave
to a human was the rabies vaccine. He administered it to a nine year old boy
name Joseph Meister in 1885.
Legacy
Today Louis Pasteur is known as one of the most
important scientists in history. His discoveries led to an understanding of
microbes and diseases that has helped to save millions and millions of lives.
Pasteur is most remembered by the Pasteur
Institute which he established in 1887. Today the Pasteur Institute is one of
the world leaders in battling infectious diseases.
Louis Pasteur died in 1895 from a stroke. He was
buried in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France.
Interesting Facts about Louis Pasteur
Early on in his career Pasteur studied crystals and
discovered why some crystals bend light while others do not.
He was a deeply religious Christian throughout his
life.
Pasteur's ideas on micro-organisms causing disease eventually
led to the boiling of surgical instruments helping to prevent infections and
causing many people to survive surgery.
He once said that "In the field of
observation, chance favours the prepared mind."
