jjares reviewed Louis Pasteur: The Life and Legacy of the Legendary French Scientist Recognized as the Father of Microbiology on + 3485 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed reading about Louis Pasteur, the father of microbiology and pasteurization. It was fascinating to learn that Louis was a wastrel in his younger years and didn't get serious about his studies later in his academic career. However, he made up for lost time with the work he initiated later.
The most interesting part of the story occurred after his death. Pasteur demanded that his private journals never be given to the scientific community after his death. However, many years later, one of the remaining Pasteur family members gave them to the French National Library in 1970, which started a firestorm. It seems that Pasteur tinkered with his findings. Pasteur overstated some of his conclusions and lied about others. He also stole credit from others, claiming it was his work.
Because of these journals, Pasteur's reputation was seriously damaged. However, the dust has settled, and people credit Pasteur with revolutionizing biology. This was fascinating reading.
The most interesting part of the story occurred after his death. Pasteur demanded that his private journals never be given to the scientific community after his death. However, many years later, one of the remaining Pasteur family members gave them to the French National Library in 1970, which started a firestorm. It seems that Pasteur tinkered with his findings. Pasteur overstated some of his conclusions and lied about others. He also stole credit from others, claiming it was his work.
Because of these journals, Pasteur's reputation was seriously damaged. However, the dust has settled, and people credit Pasteur with revolutionizing biology. This was fascinating reading.
