Louis Pasteur Biography

Early Life

Louis Pasteur was a French chemist and microbiologist who developed the first vaccines for rabies and anthrax. He also discovered a method to kill germs by boiling them, a process now known as pasteurization. Louis Pasteur was born on December 27, 1822, in Dole, France. He was the third child of Jean Joseph Pasteur, a tanner by profession who served as a sergeant in the Napoleonic Wars, and Jeanne Etiennette Roqui. As a young boy, Pasteur had a keen interest in the arts, particularly painting, but he also excelled in academics. After completing his preliminary education, he attended college where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Career

Louis Pasteur was renowned for numerous scientific breakthroughs, but his most notable achievements include developing the first vaccines for rabies and anthrax and discovering a method to kill germs by boiling them. After leaving his previous position at Dijon Lycée, he became a professor of chemistry at the University of Strasbourg. In 1854, he began studying fermentation, proposing that fermentation is caused by the growth of microorganisms, and that the growth of bacteria is a result of biogenesis. His pioneering work on vaccination began in 1887 with the disease known as chicken cholera. He dedicated himself to finding a cure and soon developed the rabies vaccine, which he tested on fifty dogs and other animals. Before these achievements, he revolutionized germ theory by demonstrating how boiling liquids could kill harmful microorganisms.

Major Works and Awards

Louis Pasteur is most remembered for developing pasteurization, a process in which beverages like beer, wine, and milk are heated to a certain temperature to eliminate germs, and for creating the first vaccines for rabies and anthrax. In 1874, the Royal Society of London awarded him the Rumford Medal for his discovery of the nature of racemic acid and its relationship to polarized light in 1856. He also received the Copley Medal for his work on fermentation. In 1895, he was honored with the Leeuwenhoek Medal for his contributions to arts and sciences.

Personal Life

While serving as a professor of chemistry, Pasteur met Marie Laurent, the daughter of the university's rector, and married her in 1849. They had five children, but tragically, only two survived to adulthood, while the other three succumbed to diseases. This personal tragedy fueled Pasteur's determination to find cures and deepen his scientific inquiries, motivating him to work tirelessly to help others and make a significant impact on the world. Louis Pasteur passed away on September 28, 1895, due to health issues and heart attacks. His wife, Marie, passed away on September 28, 1910.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Louis Pasteur will always be remembered for his groundbreaking discoveries in science and his profound influence on the world. His contributions have shaped modern science and continue to inspire future generations.

References

• Pasteur, L. (1895). Pasteur Institute. Paris: Pasteur Institute Publications.
• Royal Society of London. (1874). Rumford Medal. London: Royal Society.
• Royal Society of London. (Copley Medal). Discoveries on Fermentation. London: Royal Society.
• Leeuwenhoek Medal. (1895). Honors in Arts and Sciences. Amsterdam: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.