Pasteur, Louis, 1822-1895; Scientists -- France -- Biography
The promise made by Dumas to give to France an edition of Lavoisier’s
works dated very far back. It was in May, 1836, in one of his eloquent
lectures at the Collège de France, that Dumas had declared his intention
of raising a scientific monument to the memory of this, perhaps the
greatest of all French scientists. He had hoped that a Bill would be
passed by the Government of Louis Philippe decreeing that this edition
of Lavoisier’s works would be produced at the expense of the State. But
the usual obstacles and formalities came in the way. Governments
succeeded each other, and it was only in 1861 that Dumas obtained the
decree he wished for and that the book appeared.
Certainly Pasteur knew and admired as much as any one the discoveries of
Lavoisier. But, in the presence of the series of labours accomplished,
in spite of many other burdens, during that life cut off in its prime by
the Revolutionary Tribunal (1792), labours collated for the first time
by Dumas, Pasteur was filled with a new and vivid emotion. His logic in
reasoning and his patience in observing nature had in no wise diminished
the impetuous generosity of his feelings; a beautiful book, a great
discovery, a brilliant exploit or a humble act of kindness would move
him to tears. Concerning such a man as Lavoisier, Pasteur’s curiosity
became a sort of worship. He would have had the history of such a life
spread everywhere. “Though one discovery always surpasses another, and
though the chemical and physical knowledge accumulated since his time
has gone beyond all Lavoisier’s dreams,” wrote Pasteur, “his work, like
that of Newton and a few other rare spirits, will remain ever young.
Certain details will age, as do the fashions of another time, but the
foundation, the method, constitute one of those great aspects of the
human mind, the majesty of which is only increased by years....”
Pasteur’s article appeared in the _Moniteur_ and was much praised by the
celebrated critic Sainte Beuve, whose literary lectures were often
attended by Pasteur, between 1857 and 1861. The chronological order that
we are following in this history of Pasteur’s life allows us to follow
the ideas and feelings with which he lived his life of hard daily work
combined with daily devotion to others. Joys and sorrows can be
chronicled, thanks to the confidences of those who loved him. His fame
is indeed part of the future, but the tenderness which he inspired
revives the memories of the past.
In September, 1865, little Camille died. Pasteur took the tiny coffin to
Arbois and went back to his work. A letter written in November alludes
to the depth of his grief.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account