Germs-Louis Pasteur

Louis Pasteur was a French chemist and microbiologist that bolstered what is known as the “Germ Theory of Disease.” This theory states that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases. Although he was not the first to present this germ theory, it was through his scientific experimentation that this theory received strong reinforcement. His theory, along with his research and experiments, was a cornerstone of modern medicine and microbiology. He was largely remembered for his breakthrough in the causes and prevention of diseases, which ultimately led to the use of antibiotics and hygiene practices.

Louis Pasteur starts his article by asking to propose his opinions on an important matter to a council of doctors, stated as the “Academy”, that are experts in the field of medicine. To introduce his topic for which his opinions refer to, Pasteur first talks about puerperal fever and how it could possibly be contracted. His reason for choosing puerperal fever most likely comes from the fact that puerperal fever was commonly contracted during this time, which was a serious issue as it was threatening lives of women giving births in the unsanitary hospitals. He then proposes a solution: by preventing the production of organisms, infection would be less likely to occur.

To begin, there are two antiseptics that were used at the time, but he gives more preference to one over the other. As a means to persuade his audience, he gives a detailed account of how the antiseptic boric acid is currently being offered to patients. He refers to licensed doctors that have used or know about the benefits of using this antiseptic. He even worked closely with a physician who was so impressed with boric acid’s benefits that he no longer uses any other kind of antiseptic, which goes on to further support Pasteur’s recommendation to use boric acid. Furthermore, he emphasizes when he had previously presented a valid opinion to the Academy, of which had not been disproven or rejected, even though he was and is currently still not an expert in the field of medicine. He does this to remind his audience that he does have some credibility to present his recommendations.

In his concluding statements he uses several rhetorical tools. Pasteur reminds his audience that he is not familiar with medicine or veterinarian practice, which he obviously takes into account as he presents this evidence. Moreover, he explicitly states that he is willing to accept the criticism and judgments that the Academy has to express concerning his recommendations. Ultimately, his recommendations and life’s work have proven to be invaluable to the fields of medicine and microbiology.