1850—1854 71 



worthy and excellent son, his devotion to science, his indefatig- 

 able perseverance, the conscientious care with which he fulfils 

 the duties of his situation, all this had made his position such 

 that there was no need to solicit for him what he had so long 

 deserved. But one might boldly point out that it would be a 

 real loss to the Order if he were not promptly included within 

 its ranks. That is what I did, and I am very glad to see that 

 the too long delay is now at an end. I wished for this all the 

 more as I knew of your affectionate desire that this act of justice 

 should be done. Allow me to add, however, that in our pro- 

 fession our real distinction depends on us alone, fortunately, 

 and not on the favour or indifference of a minister. In the 

 position that your son has acquired, his reputation will grow 

 with his work, no other help being needed; and the esteem 

 he already enjoys, and which will grow day by day, will be 

 accorded to him, without gainsaying or appeal, by the Grand 

 Jury of scientists of all nations — an absolutely just tribunal, 

 the only one we recognize. 



" Allow me to add to my congratulations the expression of 

 the esteem and cordial affection with which you have in- 

 spired me." 



On his return to Strasburg Pasteur went to live in a house 

 in the Kue des Couples, which suited him as being near the 

 Academie and his laboratory ; it also had a garden where his 

 children could play. He was full of projects, and what he 

 called the "spirit of invention" daily suggested some new 

 undertaking. The neighbourhood of Germany, at that time a 

 veritable hive of busy bees, was a fertile stimulant to the 

 French Faculty at Strasburg. 



But material means were lacking. When Pasteur received 

 the prize of 1,500 francs given him by the Pharmaceutical So- 

 ciety, he gave up half of it to buying instruments which the 

 Strasburg laboratory was too poor to afford. The resources then 

 placed by the State at his disposal by way of contribution to 

 the expenses of a chemistry class only consisted of 1,200 francs 

 under the heading " class expenses." Pasteur had to pay the 

 wages of his laboratory attendant out of it. Now that he was 

 better provided, thanks to his prize, he renewed his studies on 



crystals. . 



Taking up an octahedral crystal, he broke off a piece of it, 

 then replaced it in its mother-liquor. Whilst the crystal was 

 growing larger in every direction by a deposit of crystalline par- 



