156 PASTEUR 



in preparation in the little town of his birth. 

 On the 14th of July, 1883, a commemorative 

 tablet was placed upon the house in which 

 Pasteur was born, and M. Kaempfen, director 

 of the Beaux- Arts, who had been delegated by 

 the Government, said at its inauguration: 



"In the name of the Government of the Re- 

 public, I salute this inscription, which recalls 

 the fact that on the 27th of December, 1822, 

 there was born in this little street one who was 

 destined to become one of the greatest scientists 

 of a century, whose greatness lies in science, and 

 one who by his admirable labours has aug- 

 mented the glory of his native land and won 

 the gratitude of all humanity." 



Pasteur spoke in reply, and his address re- 

 veals the great qualities of his generous heart, 

 his extreme personal modesty, and the pride 

 which he cherished on behalf of science alone. 



"Gentlemen," he said, "I am deeply moved 

 by th* honour done me by the town of Dole; 

 but permit me, while expressing my apprecia- 

 tion, to utter a protest against this excess of 



