Overview
Louis Pasteur knew from a young age that he wanted to become a scientist. He dreamed of using science to end the suffering caused by disease. During his productive life, Pasteur made critical breakthroughs in understanding how germs cause illness and in developing treatments and vaccines for rabies and other diseases. He developed a technique for heating wine, milk, and other beverages that protects them from spoiling. He also saved the French silk industry by unraveling the mysterious diseases that were killing silkworms. Heralded in his lifetime as the greatest scientist of his age, Pasteur was also a difficult man who was accused of taking credit for the work of his assistants. Louis Pasteur and the Founding of Microbiology reveals both the private and public aspects of the scientist who made visible the invisible world of microorganisms, forever altering our understanding of the nature of disease.Follows the life and career of the French scientist who proved the existence of germs and their connection with diseases.
Synopsis
Louis Pasteur knew from a young age that he wanted to become a scientist. He dreamed of using science to end the suffering caused by disease. During his productive life, Pasteur made critical breakthroughs in understanding how germs cause illness and in developing treatments and vaccines for rabies and other diseases. He developed a technique for heating wine, milk, and other beverages that protects them from spoiling. He also saved the French silk industry by unraveling the mysterious diseases that were killing silkworms. Heralded in his lifetime as the greatest scientist of his age, Pasteur was also a difficult man who was accused of taking credit for the work of his assistants. Louis Pasteur and the Founding of Microbiology reveals both the private and public aspects of the scientist who made visible the invisible world of microorganisms, forever altering our understanding of the nature of disease.
Lynn O'Connell - Children's Literature
Pasteur's most famous accomplishment was most likely his development of pasteurization for wine, milk and other beverages. This discovery benefited France because it allowed French wines to be shipped around the world. Pasteur's discovery of diseases that were killing silkworms helped save the country's silkworm industry. Looking at the world through his microscope, Pasteur proved the existence of germs and their connection with diseases. This led to the discovery of vaccines and to the recognition of the importance of sanitation in preventing contagious diseases. This biography provides a detailed and interesting account of the French scientist Louis Pasteur's life, explaining his research and noting his weaknesses. The science is definitely readable, particularly for teens interested in science and the medical field. The book includes colorful illustrations, portrait reproductions and Pasteur's own drawings. The biography concludes with a timeline of Pasteur's life, a list of sources, a bibliography, and a list of websites where readers can learn more. This biography is the first in the series, "Renaissance Scientists." 2004, Morgan Reynolds Publishing, Ages 12 up.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Pasteur's most famous accomplishment was most likely his development of pasteurization for wine, milk and other beverages. This discovery benefited France because it allowed French wines to be shipped around the world. Pasteur's discovery of diseases that were killing silkworms helped save the country's silkworm industry. Looking at the world through his microscope, Pasteur proved the existence of germs and their connection with diseases. This led to the discovery of vaccines and to the recognition of the importance of sanitation in preventing contagious diseases. This biography provides a detailed and interesting account of the French scientist Louis Pasteur's life, explaining his research and noting his weaknesses. The science is definitely readable, particularly for teens interested in science and the medical field. The book includes colorful illustrations, portrait reproductions and Pasteur's own drawings. The biography concludes with a timeline of Pasteur's life, a list of sources, a bibliography, and a list of websites where readers can learn more. This biography is the first in the series, "Renaissance Scientists." 2004, Morgan Reynolds Publishing, Ages 12 up.—Lynn O'Connell