AN OBSERVANT EYE

The most important event in Louis Pasteur’s life occurred when he was four years old. Once, he stood on his toes on a crate in the courtyard of his house, peeping through the little grill at the door. He watched the neighbors passing by. His father who was standing behind asked, "What have you been watching, my son?" Little Louis answered, "I’ve been watching the people  passing. I’ve seen Monsieur Piroz, and he looks very fat and red, and I’ve seen sister Marie Bernadette going to her convent, she was so late that she was nearly running. And I’ve seen Monsieur Dubois, he’s very solemn, he’s talking to himself. I think he’s worried." "You are very observant, Louis', answered Monsieur Pasteur. "You notice little things, and you always think about what you see. It is good to be observant; if you notice details, you’ll learn to understand important things."

The words of his father appealed him and had a great impact on his life. They spurred the little boy to become the great scientist later.

FROM ARTS TO SCIENCE

In his childhood, Louis was very good at drawing. His early drawings displayed all the qualities of a great portrait artist. During his college days, Louis had drawn many portraits of his friends and they were so professional in creation, that his name was included in the list of topmost artists of those days. Louis’ father was not happy to see his son’s abilities being wasted on arts. Louis also displayed great aptitude in science, especially in chemistry. Pasteur Sr. wanted his son to finish his studies in the local school and become a lecturer at College of Arbois. It was the Headmaster of the college who recognized Louis’ abilities and talents.

During his stay at the Ecole Normale, he attended the lectures of J. B. Dumas, the famous chemist of the period. Louis was so inspired by Dumas, that he resolved to become a chemist.