114 LOUIS PASTEUR 



of highest value to mankind, Pasteur threw him- 

 self into his work with feverish energy and entire 

 absorption. Readily aroused by opposition he ex- 

 hibited a vigorous pugnacity in controversy that is 

 attributable less to irritability of temper than to 

 the intense seriousness of his concern with the 

 problems before his mind. 



His family life was a singularly happy one. For- 

 tunately, Madame Pasteur could appreciate her 

 husband's scientific work and ambitions, and she 

 betrayed no jealousy on account of his extreme 

 devotion to his tasks. If she suffered an occasional 

 pang, as doubtless she must have done, she loyally 

 concealed it under a guise of cheerfulness and 

 encouragement. In 1884 she wrote to one of her 

 children, "Your father, always much preoccupied, 

 talks little, sleeps little, rises at dawn, and, in a 

 word, continues the life which I began with him 

 thirty-five years ago to-day." 



One of Pasteur's characteristics, which offers 

 the strongest testimony as to his sterling qualities, 

 was his capacity for making true and devoted 

 friends. Men were drawn to him not only by his 

 ability and achievements, but on account of per- 

 sonal traits that inspired their respect and affec- 

 tion. It was Pasteur's privilege to number among 



