Louis Pasteur and the Hidden World of Microbes (Oxford Portraits in Science)

Chronicling Louis Pasteur's rise from humble beginnings to international fame, Louis Pasteur and the Hidden World of Microbes investigates the complex life of a man who revolutionized our understanding of disease. Alongside Pasteur's pioneering work with microorganisms, his innovative use of heat to kill harmful organisms in food—a process now known as pasteurization—and his development of the rabies vaccine, Louise Robbins places Pasteur in the context of his risky scientific methods and his rigid family and political beliefs. Robbins's reveals a man of genius with sometimes troubling convictions. Louis Pasteur and the Hidden World of Microbes is a fascinating look at one of the most important scientific minds of the last two centuries.

Children's Literature

In the mid 19th century diseases such as anthrax, cholera and smallpox were common killers. In an age when the source of illness and infection was thought to be a miasma, exposure to cold, night vapors or a host of other false premises, many diseases that are now insignificant claimed millions of lives. In that era, emerged a French chemist who sought to unravel some of the secrets of the origins of diseases¾Louis Pasteur, whose contributions were enormous and ongoing. In this biography, the author traces Pasteur's growth, development and work. Beginning with studies of commercial problems related to wine, beer and silk production, Pasteur discovered the infinitesimally small beings that exist in the microscopic world. These viruses were the cause of a host of problems and illnesses. Over the years, Pasteur and his associates sought to find preventative measures for diseases such as rabies, anthrax and diphtheria. In this well-researched book readers will learn not only about Pasteur's work but his personality as well. A brilliant man, Pasteur was also selfish, addicted to his work, opportunistic and chauvinist. An egotist of the first order, Pasteur alienated a number of his fellow scientists. However, as the author of this fine book shows, Pasteur's work benefited millions of people. This is an enlightening scientific biography and a book worthy of attention. Part of the Oxford Portraits in Science series. 2001, Oxford University Press, $24.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer:Greg M. Romaneck