" Pasteur’s work stimulated research into vaccines all over the world and today a variety of attenuated live virus inoculations protect us from diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella. Inactivated bacteria and viruses, or some fractions thereof, can also be used to induce immunity. Maybe some brilliant scientists will figure out a way to protect us from COVID-19 and attenuate Pasteur’s comment about microbes having the last word. "
~ Joe Schwarcz, PhD
Legacy
Despite disputes and miscommunication between his colleagues, Pasteur, at a time in journalism when his discoveries became published in newspapers for the public’s viewing, went to extraordinary lengths to uphold the validity of germ theory. His communication of revolutionary ideas that advocated for disease prevention—such as pasteurization, sanitary health practices, and vaccines (especially recent efforts with COVID-19 vaccines)— have since become implemented into society. But with his several discoveries that have pioneered the way for centuries of microbiology and immunology research, one theme remains clear: the acceptance he gained for germ theory remains at the cornerstone of modern medicine, a scientific understanding that, still to this day, continues to save lives and protect millions.
mRNA Vaccines, Explained, 2021, Vox
"At the middle of the last century we did not know much more of the actual causes of the great scourges of the race, the plagues, the fevers and the pestilences, than did the Greeks. Here comes Pasteur's great work. Before him Egyptian darkness; with his advent a light that brightens more and more as the years give us ever fuller knowledge."
~ William Osler (John Hopkins School of Medicine Professor )
Louis Pasteur Lithograph After P.Petit, Wellcome Collection
" Our only consolation, as we feel our own strength failing us, is to feel that we may help those who come after us to do more and to do better than ourselves, fixing their eyes as they can on the great horizons of which we only had a glimpse. "
~ Louis Pasteur