French scientist and bacteriologist whose studies on fermentation led to the conclusion that it was caused by bacteria, proving the germ theory of disease; he also developed a successful vaccine for rabies, which hitherto had been universally fatal. ALS in French, signed “L. Pasteur,” one page, 5.25 x 8, January 28, 1886. Letter to Dr. Duplantier, written shortly after his rabies vaccine was discovered, concerning a dog bite and the method of treatment. In full, “Dr. Roux, the assistant director of my laboratory, has just looked at the knee of little Eva Ginest. Both of us think the little spots are multiplying themselves through auto-inoculation, that there must be a microbe coming originally from the dog’s saliva. Your pomade is insufficient to halt the propagation. Dr. Roux proposes that you replace it with the one indicated in the enclosed [not included], the sublimate being much more antiseptic than boric acid. The dog being alive since Dec. 27 is certainly not rabid. He would have died some time ago.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Pasteur had first successfully treated a rabies patient the previous July, and as the news spread of his cure, people possibly bitten by rabid animals contacted Pasteur for advice. Intersecting folds, one affecting opening stroke of signature, several diagonal creases, and a few wrinkles, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
