Louis Pasteur (1822-1895), was a French chemist and microbiologist who was one of the most important founders of medical microbiology. Pasteur’s contributions to science, technology, and medicine are nearly without precedent. He pioneered the study of molecular asymmetry; discovered that microorganisms cause fermentation and disease; originated the process of pasteurization; saved the beer, wine, and silk industries in France; and developed vaccines against anthrax and rabies. Pasteur’s academic positions were numerous, and his scientific accomplishments earned him France’s highest decoration, the Legion of Honour, as well as election to the Académie des Sciences and many other distinctions. Today there are some 30 institutes and an impressive number of hospitals, schools, buildings, and streets that bear his name—a set of honours bestowed on few scientists. Some authors have wanted to discuss Pasteur's religiosity. The truth is that, overturned in his scientific works, he did not over cultivate his spirit during his youth, but he was always a faithful Catholic. His is the famous phrase, “A little science separates us from God. Much, it brings us closer” (paraphrasing Bacon: “Little philosophy separates from religion, but much philosophy leads to it”). (+info)

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