Collected Writings

by Louis Pasteur

In Germ Theory and Its Applications to Medicine, biologist and chemist Louis Pasteur (1822-95) describes the discoveries in microbiology that were the foundation of modern immunology. His work also aided the food and textile industries, and he remains among the world's most celebrated scientists. The process to remove harmful germs from milk and other beverages by heating them is called pasteurization in his honor. From Pasteur's theories, surgeon Joseph Lister (1827-1912) discovered the principle of antisepsis, which he describes in On the Antiseptic Principle of the Practice of Surgery. By using carbolic acid in conjunction with heat sterilization of surgical instruments, Lister determined that postoperative illness and fatality dramatically decreased. He also developed absorbable ligatures and the drainage tube, both of which remain in use for wounds and incisions. Listerine is named for this famous doctor.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2008

About the author

Louis Pasteur was a French chemist and microbiologist born in Dole. He is remembered for his remarkable breakthroughs in the causes and preventions of disease. His discoveries reduced mortality from puerperal fever, and he created the first vaccine for rabies. His experiments supported the germ theory of disease. He was best known to the general public for inventing a method to stop milk and wine from causing sickness, a process that came to be called pasteurization. He is regarded as one of the three main founders of microbiology, together with Ferdinand Cohn and Robert Koch. Pasteur also made many discoveries in the field of chemistry, most notably the molecular basis for the asymmetry of certain crystals. His body lies beneath the Institute Pasteur in Paris in a spectacular vault covered in depictions of his accomplishments in Byzantine mosaics.

Reviews

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it was not easy at all for me to understand many of the scientific terminologies in the writings, I've enjoyed it very much for the interesting theories and practice.