138 LIFE OF ELIE METCHNIKOFF 



In Paris as in Petrograd, as in Odessa, you have become 

 a leader of thought, and you have kindled in this Institute a 

 scientific focus which has radiated afar. 



Your laboratory is more alive than any in the house ; 

 workers come to it in crowds. There, the bacteriological 

 events of the day are discussed, interesting preparations 

 examined, ideas sought for that may help an experimenter 

 to solve difficulties in which he has become involved. It is 

 to you that one comes to ask for a control experiment on a 

 newly observed fact, for a criticism of a discovery that does 

 not always survive the test. 



Moreover, as you read everything, every one comes to you 

 for information, for an account of a newly published memoir 

 which there is no time to read. It is much more convenient 

 than to consult the library and also much safer, for errors of 

 translation and interpretation are avoided. 



Your erudition is so vast and so accurate that it is made 

 use of by the whole house. How many times have I not 

 availed myself of it ? One never fears to take advantage of 

 it, for no scientific question ever finds you indifferent. Your 

 ardour warms the indolent and gives confidence to the 

 sceptical. 



You are an incomparable collaborator as I know, I who 

 have had the good fortune of being associated with your 

 researches on several occasions. Indeed, you did nearly all 

 the work ! 



More even than your science, your kindliness attracts ; 

 who amongst us has not experienced it ? I have had a 

 touching proof of it when, many times, you have nursed me 

 as if I were your own child. You are so happy in doing 

 good that you even feel gratitude towards those whom you 

 serve. 



This is such an intimate gathering that I may be allowed 

 to say quite openly that it is so painful to you not to give 

 that you prefer being exploited rather than close your hand. 



The Pasteur Institute owes you much ; you have brought 

 to it the prestige of your renown, and by your work and that 

 of your pupils you have greatly contributed to its glory. You 



