Louis Pasteur

1822-1895

The scientific contributions of Pasteur were among the most valuable in the history of science, and he is claimed equally by chemistry and microbiology. Best known to chemists for his work on the tartaric acids, he recognized the structural relationships (now called chirality) responsible for optical isomerism, and that microorganisms can distinguish between enantiomers. Pasteur also showed that microorganisms cause fermentation and various diseases, and he developed methods for "pasteurization" and for vaccination against anthrax and rabies. His work saved the wine, beer, and silkworm industries for France.

Sponsor: Thomas Kormos

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Location in chemistry building: First Floor; Room 136 South Wall; Sequence 3

Source: Kedzie Collection