ALS in French, signed “L. Pasteur,” one page, 5.25 x 8, July 14, 1880. Letter to D’Astre. In part (translated): “I call your attention to the statement that I read Monday at the Academy of Sciences relative to the etiology of anthrax.” In fine condition, with mild toning. Etiology is the cause of a disease as determined by medical diagnosis; Pasteur had just begun investigating anthrax in 1879, after an epidemic swept through France and killed large amounts of livestock. Pasteur claimed credit for the first vaccination against anthrax and in 1881 conducted an experiment in immunization after obtaining financial support by many of the farmers whose livelihoods were at stake. He separated dozens of animals into two groups, inoculating one group with an anthrax vaccination he prepared while leaving the other group untouched. After 30 days, he injected all of the animals with a culture of live anthrax bacteria—all the animals in the non-vaccinated group died, while all of the animals in the vaccinated group survived. The large scale and impressive results of the experiment resulted in widespread public sensation. An extremely interesting letter concerning one of Pasteur’s greatest scientific breakthroughs. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
