386 THE LIFE OF PASTEUR 



ing those savants who had had most influence on their studies. 

 When Pasteur's name was pronounced, a great silence ensued ; 

 every one was trying to obtain a sight of him as he walked 

 towards the platform. His appearance was the signal for a 

 perfect outburst of applause ; five thousand men rose and cheered 

 him. It was indeed a splendid ovation. 



In the evening, a banquet was set out in the hall, which was 

 hung with the blue and white colours of the University ; there 

 were a thousand guests, seated round twenty-eight tables, one 

 of which, the high table, was reserved for the speakers who were 

 to propose the toasts, which were to last four hours. Pasteur 

 was seated next to Virchow ; they talked together of the question 

 of rabies, and Virchow owned that, when he saw Pasteur in 

 1881 about to tackle this question, he much doubted the pos- 

 sibility of a solution. This friendly chat between two such men 

 proves the desirability of such gatherings ; intercourse between 

 the greatest scientists can but lead to general peace and fra- 

 ternity between nations. After having read a telegram from 

 the Queen, congratulating the University and welcoming the 

 guests, a toast was drunk to the Queen and to the Royal Family, 

 and a few words spoken by the representative of the Emperor of 

 Brazil. Pasteur then rose to speak : 



" My Lord Chancellor, Gentlemen, the city of Edinburgh is 

 now offering a sight of which she may be proud. All the great 

 scientific institutions, meeting here, appear as an immense Con- 

 gress of hopes and congratulations. The honour and glory of 

 this international rendezvous deservedly belong to you , for it is 

 centuries since Scotland united her destinies with those of the 

 human mind. She was one of the first among the nations to 

 understand that intellect leads the world. And the world of 

 intellect, gladly answering your call, lays a well-merited homage 

 at your feet. When, yesterday, the eminent Professor Robert 

 Flint, addressing the Edinburgh University from the pulpit of 

 St. Giles, exclaimed, 'Remember the past and look to the 

 future,' all the delegates, seated like judges at a great tribunal, 

 evoked a vision of past centuries and joined in a unanimous wish 

 for a yet more glorious future. 



" Amongst the illustrious delegates of all nations who bring 

 you an assurance of cordial good wishes, France has sent to 

 represent her those of her institutions which are most represen- 

 tative of the French spirit and the best part of French glory. 

 France is ready to applaud whenever a source of light appears in 





