The legend of Louis Pasteur

Abstract

For a scientist, making a seminal contribution even in one area of science is a matter of joy and pride. To be able to start several fields and contribute significantly to all of them is indeed a rare feat. Louis Pasteur belongs to this rare breed of scientists. He was a chemist, microbiologist, immunologist, and biotechnologist, all rolled into one. He founded the field of stereochemistry, established the foundations of modern microbiology, disproved the theory of spontaneous generation, demonstrated the microbial basis of fermentation, and derived vaccines against several bacterial and viral diseases. His contributions to human welfare in one life-time are more than what others can aspire to make over many lifetimes. His approach, based on logic and reason, helped to shape the modern scientific outlook.