Chemistry and microbiology · France · 1822–1895
Louis Pasteur Life & Career Timeline
Molecular asymmetry, germ theory, vaccination and a global research institute.
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18221833184418551866187718881895
LPLouis PasteurChemistry and microbiology · France
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About Louis Pasteur
Louis Pasteur connected chemistry to living microorganisms and transformed food safety, infectious-disease research and vaccination.
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Louis Pasteur biography
Louis Pasteur timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Dole
Louis Pasteur was born into the family of a tanner and grew up in Arbois.
Source: www.pasteur.frStudies in Besançon
Pasteur earned his first university degree and developed toward scientific study.
Source: www.pasteur.frÉcole Normale Supérieure
He entered France’s elite teacher-training institution to study chemistry.
Source: www.pasteur.frDoctorates in science
Pasteur completed theses in chemistry and physics.
Source: www.pasteur.frMolecular asymmetry
Work on tartrate crystals helped establish stereochemistry.
Source: www.pasteur.frMarries Marie Laurent
Marie became an essential partner in Pasteur’s family and scientific life.
Source: www.pasteur.frDean at Lille
Industrial fermentation problems drew Pasteur toward microbiology.
Source: www.pasteur.frFermentation by living organisms
Pasteur showed that specific microorganisms drive specific fermentations.
Source: www.pasteur.frChallenges spontaneous generation
Swan-neck flask experiments demonstrated that microbes came from environmental contamination.
Source: www.pasteur.frStudies wine spoilage
Research for Napoleon III connected microbial control with food and drink preservation.
Source: www.pasteur.frSaves silkworm industry
Pasteur identified causes and controls for devastating silkworm diseases.
Source: www.pasteur.frAnthrax research
Work on bacterial disease shifted his laboratory toward vaccination.
Source: www.pasteur.frChicken cholera attenuation
Weakened cultures produced immunity, a key step in laboratory vaccination.
Source: www.pasteur.frPublic anthrax vaccine trial
A dramatic farm trial demonstrated protection of livestock.
Source: www.pasteur.frFirst rabies treatment
Joseph Meister received Pasteur’s experimental post-exposure vaccination after a dog bite.
Source: www.pasteur.frInstitut Pasteur founded
Public donations established a centre for rabies treatment, research and teaching.
Source: www.pasteur.frInstitut Pasteur opens
The institute began work that would grow into an international scientific network.
Source: www.pasteur.frDies near Paris
Pasteur died aged 72 and was later entombed at the institute bearing his name.
Source: www.pasteur.frThis educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Louis Pasteur or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
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About the Louis Pasteur timeline
Who is Louis Pasteur?
Louis Pasteur connected chemistry to living microorganisms and transformed food safety, infectious-disease research and vaccination.
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This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1822–1895.
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This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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