Events Occurring in France
Disease Plagues Silkworm Industry
2004, Louis Pasteur & the Founding of Microbiology
An unknown disease had infected silkworm eggs, leaving France’s silk industry in ruins.
" One of the great industries of France is that of the silkworm raising. About 1850 there appeared upon the silk-work farms a disease of the silk worm... This disease spread rapidly from farm to farm, greatly reduced the productions of the silk worm farms and actually threatened the entire destruction of the silk-worm industry. From 57,000,000 pounds per year in 13 years this industry had fallen to 8,000,000 pounds, all because of this great devastation produced by this disease. "
~ Herbert William Conn (American Bacteriologist)
" Instead of becoming white, the worms retained a rusty tint; they did not eat; spots appeared on their bodies like black bruises, which were scattered over the head, rings, and feet. Each batch or brood attacked perished. Fresh eggs were imported from abroad, and at first these hatched well… But the following year the eggs from these worms were found to be not better than the French eggs--they were also infected. "
~ George Fleming (Scottish Veterinarian)
Competition in the Beer Industry
Prussia defeated France in the War of 1870. Tensions between them continued when they competed against each other in the production of beer, which Germany had dominated. French beverages spoiled quickly, affecting profits in their wine and beer industries.
1863
Commissioned by Napoleon III, Pasteur investigated causes for wine spoilage.
" The Emperor is firmly convinced that it would be of the highest importance that you turn your attention in this direction at the time of the grape harvest. "
~ Napoleon III's aide
A Brief Economic History of Beer, 2012, Research Gate
" Our misfortunes inspired me with the idea of these researches. I undertook them immediately after the war of 1870, and have since continued them without interruption, with the determination of perfecting them, and thereby benefiting a branch of industry wherein we are undoubtedly surpassed by Germany. "
~ Louis Pasteur