Description:

Louis Pasteur
Paris, France, June 30, 1885
Louis Pasteur ALS Re: Memorial for Deceased Lab Assistant, "a victim of his devotion to science"
ALS
Handwritten letter in French signed "L. Pasteur". 1p on monogrammed stationary, measuring 5.25" x 8", Paris, France, dated June 30, 1885. Writing to his secretary, Pasteur regrets not being able to attend a ceremony at L'Ecole Normale the following day honoring his former lab assistant, Louis Thuillier. Vertical crease along middle right, with light toning to left side edge. Very good.

Translated in part:

"Your young candidate in the Sciences at the L'Ecole Normale has been pointed out to the Director of Studies McCannery… I profoundly regret not being able to be present at tomorrow's solemn meeting. I ask you to present my excuses to our dear President and the Minister. I have just learned that Mr. Goblet is coming to the L'Ecole Normale tomorrow… for the unveiling of the bust of the valiant and unfortunate Thuillier, who died of cholera in Alexandria, a victim of his devotion to science."

Throughout his lengthy career, Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) made astounding contributions in the fields of science, technology, and medicine. He became the first scientist to study fermentation in food elements that was caused by microbes, and is considered one of the fathers of germ theory. Among his most notable achievements is the creation and process of "Pasteurization", in which liquids such as milk and beer are heated to a safe temperature in order to kill bacteria. Pasteur is also credited with saving millions of lives through the developments of vaccines for rabies and anthrax.

Louis Thuillier (1856-1883) was a biologist who worked as an assistant in Pasteur's lab and was instrumental in developing vaccines for rabies, swine fever, and anthrax. He had gone to Alexandria in 1883 to study an epidemic of cholera, during which time he contracted the disease and passed away at the age of 27.

This lot comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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