The life of Pasteur / tr. from the French by Mrs. R.L. Devonshire.

  • René Vallery-Radot
Date:
1914
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The life of Pasteur / tr. from the French by Mrs. R.L. Devonshire. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    480/506 page 462
    Europe, saw Alsace torn away from her. And by whom? by . the very nation whom sbe had looked upon as tbe most idéal- ; istic, with whom she had desired an alliance in a noble hope j of pacifie civilization, a hope shared by Humboldt, tbe greatj German scientist. It was obvious to tbose who came near Pasteur tbat, in spite of the regret caused in him by the decrease of his physical ; strength, his moral energy remained unimpaired. He never complained of the state of his health, and usually avoided speak- ing of himself. A little tent had been put up for him in the new garden of the Pasteur Institute, under the young chest- nuts, the flowers of which were now beginning to fall, and he often spent his afternoons there. One or other of those who had watched over him through the long winter nights fre- quently came to talk with him, and he would in quire, with ail ; his old interest, into every detail of the work going on. His old friend Chappuis, now Honorary Eector of the Aca- i demy of Dijon, often came to sit with him under this tent. . Their friendship remained unchanged though it had lasted ; more than fifty years. Their conversation now took a yet more exalted turn than in the days of their youth and middle âge. The dignity of Chappius’ life was almost austere, though tempered by a smiling philosophy. Pasteur, less preoccupied than Chappuis by philosophical j discussions, soared without an effort into the domain of spirit-i ual things. Absolute faith in God and in Eternity, and a con- viction that the power for good given to us in this world will be continued beyond it, were feelings which pervaded his whole life ; the virtues of the Gospel had ever been présent to him. Full of respect for the form of religion which had been that of his forefathers, he came to it simply and naturally for spirit- ual help in these last weeks of his life. On June 13, he came, for the last time, down the steps of the Pasteur Institute, and entered the carriage which was to^ take him to Villeneuve l’Etang. Every one spoke to him of this stay as if it were sure to bring him back to health. Did hej believe it? Did he try, in his tenderness for those around him, ; to share their hopes? His face almost bore the same exprès-j sion as when he used to go to Villeneuve l’Etang to continue his ] studies. When the carriage passed through Saint Cloud, some^ of the inhabitants, who had seen him pass in former years,]
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