Answers Research Journal 1 (2008): 43ā?52.
www.answersingenesis.org/contents/379/Louis-Pasteur.pdf
Louis Pasteurās Views on Creation, Evolution,
and the Genesis of Germs
Alan L. Gillen, Professor of Biology, Department of Biology and Chemistry,
Liberty University, 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24502
Frank J. Sherwin III, Science Editor, Institute for Creation Research, 1806 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX 75229
āThere is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to
come will not be remembered by those who follow.ā? Ecclesiastes 1:11 (NIV)
Abstract
In past years revisionist historians have been rewriting the worldview of Christians who have made
some of the major discoveries in biology and medicine. It appears that postmodern revisionists are
rewriting history to support their agenda of a more āsecularā? explanation to science. The Judeo-
Christian worldview is not politically correct in most universities. This is true in regard to past scientists
such as Louis Pasteur who believed in creation. According to reliable, primary sources such as RenƩ
Vallery-Radot, Pasteurās son-in-law, Pasteurās unique view and application of operational science
gave him a signiļ¬cant advantage, beneļ¬ting mankind in a number of critical areas.
Shortly after Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859, Pasteur began to challenge the idea
of spontaneous generationāthe foundation of the evolutionary view on the origin of life. Pasteurās
simple, but elegant swan-necked ļ¬ask experiments not only put to rest the organic life-from-non-
life idea, but also set the foundation for the law of biogenesis: life only comes from life. The genesis
of germs in hospital patients were the result of microbes having parents, not a result of spontaneous
generation. This revolutionary idea would have application in many areas of medicine. It forms the
basis of sterilization, asepsis in surgery, and the germ theory of disease.
Pasteur had the uncanny ability to combine theoretical, operational, and applied scienceāthe
mark of a truly gifted scientist. Pasteur understood the variability of microbes and how he could
apply this principle in vaccine preparation. For example, he noticed that Bacillus anthracis cultures
sometimes lose their pathogenic ability when heated, and then retain this modiļ¬ed, nonvirulent, or
āattenuatedā? trait through many generations. He applied this concept to vaccinate dozens of sheep
that would have otherwise died at a critical time in France. His understanding of this natural variation
was also successfully applied in developing vaccines for chicken cholera and rabies.
Although his scientiļ¬c pronouncements were sometimes abrasive to his fellow scientists, he
remained ļ¬rm in his convictions, borne from painstaking research. Pasteur had a strong religious and
humanitarian spirit. He ļ¬rmly believed in God, as the Creator of all living things. From his knowledge of
the Gospels, he wanted to beneļ¬t mankind by having his ideas used to āheal the sick.ā?
Keywords: Louis Pasteurās faith, creation microbiology, spontaneous generation, biogenesis, genesis
of germs, operational science, history of anthrax vaccine
history continues to be altered by politically correct
Introduction
revisionist historians. This article challenges the
We are in danger of losing the remembrance
secular historianās efforts to rewrite the life, beliefs,
of noble-minded biologists with a creation
and discoveries of Louis Pasteur, in particular, his
worldview through whom God poured out scientiļ¬c
views on origins, the Christian faith, and his work
achievements. Indeed, the memories of manās past
on spontaneous generation as it relates to the germ
discoveries in all ļ¬elds are soon forgotten unless
theory. Although we have consulted over twenty-ļ¬ve
we are reminded. Many people are familiar with
biographies, we have focused on primary sources and
the name Louis Pasteur (ļ¬g. 1) and his amazing
quotes, with many references over eighty years old.
accomplishments in pasteurization, vaccination, and
The most extensive biography of Louis Pasteur
the germ theory of disease. Yet, few know the details
was by his son-in-law, RenĆ© Vallery-Radot. The ļ¬rst
of his early life regarding the spontaneous generation
biography of Pasteur was written by Vallery-Radot in
controversy, or his religious faith. In recent years,
1883, under Pasteurās direct and close supervision.
Pasteurās view on evolution and Godās creation have
This ļ¬rst book was in effect Pasteurās ghostwritten
been openly challenged. The movement to revise
autobiography. (At this point in his life, he was
history in America is hardly surprising as Western
partially paralyzed and needed assistance on many
civilization has become increasingly hostile regarding
tasks.) The details of this book are believed to be the
its Judeo-Christian roots. In an alarming trend,
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44 A. L. Gillen and F. J. Sherwin III
been revived, on the basis of laboratory experiments.
(Vallery-Radot 1959, p.68)
This reļ¬ection differs from the eyewitness account
of his father (RenƩ). Otherwise, the accounts are
parallel.
Louis Pasteurās calling was to investigate Godās
creation and to help mankind through his discoveries.
Let no one claim that faith in God is a detriment to
science! Pasteur said, āThe more I study nature, the
more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator.ā? In
his last famous speech, he says:
You young menādoctors and scientists of the
futureādo not let yourselves be tainted by apparent
skepticism; nor discouraged by the sadness of certain
hours that creep over nations. Do not become angry
at your opponents, for no scientiļ¬c theory has ever
Fig. 1. Portrait of Louis Pasteur (1822ā?1895). He is
been accepted without opposition. Live in the serene
considered by many to be the Father of Microbiology and
peace of libraries and laboratories. Say to yourselves,
the one who developed the germ theory of disease.
ļ¬rst, āWhat have I done for my instruction?ā? And as
you gradually advance, āWhat am I accomplishing?ā?
most accurate of any book written about Pasteur.
Until the time comes when you may have the immense
Vallery-Radotās eyewitness account of Pasteur offers
happiness of thinking that you have contributed in
rare glimpses of his motivations, family life, faith,
some way to the welfare and progress of mankind.
and compassion. RenƩ Vallery-Radot frequently
(Vallery-Radot 1901, vol.2, pp.297ā?298)
mentions Pasteurās love of science and his desire to
At ļ¬rst glance, Pasteurās achievements seem to
heal the sick, in addition to his genius in scientiļ¬c
matters. This biography would later be expanded to
a two-volume setāstill the most extensive biography Table 1. Louis Pasteur and his major milestones in
ever written on Pasteur. microbiology.
Later, Pasteur Vallery-Radot, Louis Pasteurās
Year Milestone in Microbiology
grandson, wrote several books that provide personal
1822 Birth of Louis Pasteur in Dole, France
biographical information. These books include
eyewitness accounts by people who knew Pasteur Discovers crystal rotation of polarized light to
1844ā?1848
the right and left
when he was a child. RenƩ offers more details and
greater accuracy, but RenĆ©ās son, Pasteur Vallery- Shows lactic acid formation in milk and butter is
1857
due to bacteria
Radot, writes in an easier, more engaging style.
1861ā?1864 Disproves spontaneous generation
Pasteur Vallery-Radot is easier reading, but he is less
familiar with eyewitness details of his grandfatherās 1862 Elected to the Academy of Sciences
life. In most details of Louis Pasteurās private and 1864 Invents pasteurization for wine and other foods
personal life, the books are in agreement. Since both 1867 Helps Joseph Lister develop aseptic surgery
authors are family, they convey a personal touch in Publishes his studies on the diseases of
1870
the scientiļ¬c life of Louis Pasteur. Each of their books silkworms
is worth reading. However, by the 1950s Pasteur 1873 Elected to the Academy of Medicine
Vallery-Radotās books speculate that his grandfatherās 1877 Propounds the germ theory of disease
view on the origin of life would allow for the one-time Discovers immunization against chicken
āspontaneous generationā? of life (like Stanley Millerās 1879
cholera, using attenuated bacteria
experiment). Successful experiment of vaccinating sheep
1881
One should not lose sight of the fact that Pasteur, against anthrax
though he demonstrated that spontaneous generation Awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of
1881
never occurs in a culture medium, did not consider Honor
it altogether impossible, and he often expressed this 1882 Elected to the Academie Francaise
view. As we have seen before, he himself had dreams Successfully tests his ļ¬rst vaccine against
1885
about creating or modifying life; thus he sought, rabies on Joseph Meister
by means of asymmetric forces, to break down the The Pasteur Institute succeeds in producing
1894
barrier that separates mineral matter from the vaccine for diphtheria
organic products of nature. In fact, only recently the Death of Louis Pasteur at Saint Cloud (near
1895
argument for the spontaneous generation of life has Paris), France
45
Louis Pasteurās Views on Creation, Evolution, and the Genesis of Germs
be a miscellaneous assortment of discoveries (table this way he opened up a number of paths allowing
1). They in fact form a cohesive whole, in which one others to further the progress of science. In fact, it is
can easily follow his unity of thought. We have tried generally acknowledged that modem aseptic surgery
to describe just a few of his projects that led to his is based on the results of Pasteurās pioneering work.
remarkable discoveries. You will see that, like a Louis Pasteur never divorced theory from practice
brilliant detective, this great man of science conducted and his investigations often led to industrial plans of
investigations using his wealth of experience and ļ¬rst-class importance (i.e., pasteurization). Before he
scientiļ¬c guidelines. It is this method of study that died Pasteur was to know the supreme satisfaction of
held true for other men of God, each one of whom was saving many lives of his fellow man.
called and was devoted to a particular ļ¬eld dealing Almost all historians recognize Pasteurās great
with a speciļ¬c problem. contributions to science, microbiology, and medicine.
In each instance, once Pasteur had identiļ¬ed the He was an experimentalist and daily performed
cause of the problem, he suggested a remedy for it. operational science. Pasteur is a prime example of the
It is most remarkable that Pasteur managed to principle that one does not have to be an evolutionist
discover the keys to all the enigmas with which he to conduct good science. However, in recent years his
was confronted, be they rabies (ļ¬g. 2) or sour wine. Christian and creation views are being challenged. His
One cannot help but be struck by Pasteurās incredible most straightforward, anti-evolution remarks came
ability to reveal these scientiļ¬c mysteries. He was from his studies on whether life can spontaneously
truly a scientist who sought to understand the truth arise. His case for special creation is best seen in
of Godās living creation. his experiments disproving spontaneous generation.
These experiments took place over a period of about
Now one could say, at the risk of some superļ¬ciality,
ļ¬ve years. It was during this time that Pasteur
that there exist principally two types of scientists.
āconvertedā? from being a chemist to a microbiologist.
The ones, and they are rare, wish to understand the
world, to know nature; the others, far more frequent,
wish to explain it. The ļ¬rst are searching for truth, Overview to the Theory of Biogenesis
often with knowledge that they will not attain it; the vs. Spontaneous Generation
The discovery of microorganisms raised an
second strive for plausibility, for the achievement of
intriguing question: āWhere did these microscopic
an intellectually consistent, and hence successful,
view of the world. (Chargaff 1971, pp.637) forms originate?ā? For thousands of years, the idea of
Louis Pasteur began his scientiļ¬c career by spontaneous generation stated that organisms, such
studying the forms of certain crystals under a hand as tiny worms, can arise spontaneously from non-
lens. This led to the study of the diseases of milk living material. This idea began to fall into disfavor
and vinegar, and then to the diseases of people and due to the work of Francesco Redi. In a simple but
animals. While wholly absorbed in a task, he was signiļ¬cant experiment, he demonstrated that worms
nonetheless able to discover ideas regarding other found on rotting meat originated from the eggs of
matters that incidentally were set before him. In ļ¬ies, not directly from the decaying meat as advocates
of spontaneous generation believed. To prove this, he
simply covered the container holding putrefying meat
with gauze ļ¬ne enough to prevent ļ¬ies from entering
the container to deposit their eggs. Worms appeared
on the surface of the gauzeābut not the meat. Perhaps
Redi (1668, p.26) put it best when he said:
I shall express my belief that the earth, after having
brought forth the ļ¬rst plants and animals at the
beginning by order of the Supreme and Omnipotent
Creator, has never produced any kinds of plants or
animals, either perfect or imperfect; and everything
which we know in past or present times that she
has produced, came solely from the true seeds of the
plants and animals themselves, which thus, through
means of their own, preserve their species.
Spontaneous generation devotees stated that life
could appear without the hand of God, prompting
skeptical scientists to study this tenuous doctrine.
Fig. 2. Louis Pasteurās in his laboratory performing an
Despite Rediās compelling ļ¬ndings, the idea of
experiment with rabies (rabbit spinal cord in jar) in
spontaneous generation was still difļ¬cult to totally
1885.
46 A. L. Gillen and F. J. Sherwin III
disprove, and it took about 200 more years to refute Most notably, Pasteurās experiment demonstrated
this idea. One reason for this was that the gauze that sterile infusions would remain sterile in specially
used by Redi could not prevent the development of constructed swan-necked ļ¬asks even when they were
microorganisms (bacteria and mold) on the meatās left open to the air. Gravity caused the airborne
surface, giving comfort to Pasteurās opponents. New organisms to settle in the bends and sides of these
experiments were needed to reveal the unscientiļ¬c unique ļ¬asks. The ļ¬uid in the ļ¬ask remained sterile.
nature of spontaneous generation. Only when the ļ¬asks were tipped could bacteria enter
The traditional experiment designed to determine the broth and grow, as evidenced by forming a cloudy
whether microbes could arise and thrive from non- solution. These simple and elegant experiments
living material consisted of vigorously boiling a soup ļ¬nally ended the arguments that unheated air or
of organic material in a vessel to sterilize it (ļ¬g. 3). The the infusions themselves contained a āvital forceā?
vessel was then quickly sealed to prevent any outside necessary for spontaneous generation.
air from entering. If the solution became cloudy after
several days, one could then conclude that microbes Biogenesis
must have arisen from the organic material in the The theory of biogenesis states that life can only
vessel, thus supporting the theory of spontaneous come from other life. This idea mirrors the principles
generation. Unfortunately, this experiment did not of Genesis 1: life begets life and like begets like. Yet
consider several alternative possibilities that would evolutionists imagine that at one time several billion
cause the cloudy condition: the ļ¬ask could have been years ago, life did spontaneously appear. For example,
improperly sealed, microorganisms might be present German organic chemist Dr. GĆ¼nther WƤchtershƤuser
in the air, or boiling might not have killed all forms and his colleague Dr. Claudia Huber of the Munich
of life (i.e., spores). Therefore, it was not surprising Technical University have suggested that the ļ¬rst
that when this experiment was performed, different polypeptide chains necessary for life formed at the
investigators obtained different results. A unique and bottom of a primal ocean, in the heated environment
common-sense experiment was needed that would of undersea volcanoes. But science continues to show
address and explain these possibilities. a total lack of evidence that would suggest any living
cell (even the smallest) could originate spontaneously
through time and chance. Recently the evolutionist
Franklin Harold (2001, p.218) said, āThe crux of the
matter is that living organisms cannot be rationally
and systematically deduced from the principles that
generally do account for the properties of inanimate
matter.ā? It has always been known that Louis Pasteur
opposed the doctrine of spontaneous generation, and
he presented compelling empirical evidence against it.
He believed that the idea of spontaneous generation
did not ļ¬t with the view of God as the Creator of life.
Fig. 3. Spontaneous generation and the swan-necked
This is why the problem of spontaneous generation
ļ¬ask, 1861. Pasteurās experiment demonstrated that
is all absorbing, and all-important. It is the very
sterile infusions would remain sterile in specially
constructed swan-necked ļ¬asks even when they were problem of life and of its origin. To bring about
left open to the air. spontaneous generation would be to create a germ. It
would be creating life; it would be to solve the problem
of its origin. It would mean to go from matter to life
Experiments of Pasteur and Biogenesis
In 1861, Pasteur published a refutation of through conditions of environment and of matter.
spontaneous generation that was a masterpiece of God as Author of life would then no longer be needed.
experimental science and logic. First, he demonstrated Matter would replace Him. God would need to be
that air is alive with microorganisms. This was invoked only as Author of the motions of the universe.
done by ļ¬ltering air through a cotton plug, trapping (Dubos 1950, pp.395ā?396)
microorganisms and examining them under a
microscope. Many of these trapped organisms looked Spontaneous Generation Controversy
identical to those that had previously been observed and Early Evolutionary Ideas
by others in many infusions. Infusions are liquids Protestant FranƧois Guizot, a historian and
containing nutrients in which microorganisms can politician, came to the defense of the Catholic
proliferate. Pasteur showed that if the cotton plug Church against the materialist attack, which he
was then dropped into a sterilized infusion, it became saw as an assault upon the Christian faith. In an
cloudy because the organisms quickly multiplied. 1862 book, he insisted that āunder the blows that
47
Louis Pasteurās Views on Creation, Evolution, and the Genesis of Germs
[the materialists] bring against Christian dogma, butter experimentsāshowing microbes as being
the entire religious ediļ¬ce collapses and the entire the source of spoilage, not spontaneous generation.
social ediļ¬ce shakes; the Empire, the essence of Previously, Roman Catholic priest Father Lazzaro
religion itself, vanishesā? (Geison 1995, p.124). Spallanzi had shown similar ļ¬ndings in 1765. His
Flames were fanned by the appearance of Clemence heretical ideas of biogenesis were ļ¬nally vindicatedā?
Royerās French translation of Darwinās On the all microbes indeed have parents. On March 11, 1857,
Origin of Species in 1862. Darwinās book was even Pasteur initiated his experiments on milk spoilage,
more explosive since Royer advocated every doctrine called lactic fermentation. He took careful notes day
conservative forces hated: atheism, materialism, after day. Pasteur observed the appearance of some
and republicanism. Her preface to the Origin was an well-characterized lactic ferment. āMilk diseases,ā?
extended attack against the Catholic Church, which he concluded, were caused by bacteria (Vallery-Radot
she described as a āreligion spread by an ignorant, 1901). Pasteurās brilliant germ theory has withstood
domineering, and corrupt priesthoodā? and which she the test of time. Essentially this theory exposed
identiļ¬ed as the major cause of all social ills. It is microorganisms as the source of infectious diseases.
hardly surprising, then, that Darwinian evolution Using his chemistry background, Pasteur postulated
was regarded in France as a political and religious that the milk souring was caused by microbes which
doctrine allied with the forces that threatened convert milk sugar into lactic acid. Today, we know
church and state. Nor is it surprising that so many this change is caused by streptococci and lactobacilli,
French critics of Darwinian evolution focused on the bacteria that are used in the dairy industry to produce
issue of spontaneous generation. Beside its historical yogurt.
association in France with evolutionary theories, Pasteurhypothesizedthat microbesinfermentation
spontaneous generation was seen as a threat to the perhaps had a parallel mechanism with regard to
doctrine of a providential Creator. infectious disease. The expression ādiseases of wineā?
Against this background, a great debate arose was ļ¬rst used in 1857 to designate the souring of
between Louis Pasteur and FĆ©lix-ArchimĆØde fermented grape juice by microbes. From 1867 to 1870,
Pouchet. Pouchet was a leading French biologist of Pasteur studied two important silkworm diseases
the nineteenth century who was openly advocating and identiļ¬ed the responsible agents as protozoa and
the idea of spontaneous generation. He asserted that bacteria. He provided a brilliant scheme describing
new life could arise from primordial raw elements each of these cause and effect relationships. By 1877,
that had no parents. Pouchet had a new twist to the the germ theory of disease was so ļ¬rmly established
old spontaneous generation argument. He said that that even Pasteurās critics could not counter the
living things could arise as āplastic manifestationsā? evidence (Dubos 1962).
that tend to group molecules together and to impose
on them a speciļ¬c mode of vitality leading to life Pasteur vs. Pouchet
(Debre 1998, p.157). The debate between these two Despite the growing trend elsewhere in Europe,
men carried implications of enormous importance Pasteur came to oppose evolution. His opposition was
to the political culture of the French Empire, as had also against Lamarckism and Pouchetās naturalistic
the Cuvier-Geoffroy debate in earlier years. The ideas. At the same time the French scientiļ¬c elite
great British anatomist Richard Owen, who lived campaigned vigorously against Darwinism based
through both debates, emphasized their similarity on Pasteurās experiments exposing spontaneous
in 1868, the analogy of the discussion between generation. In fact, Mrs. Flourens, who succeeded
Pasteur and Pouchet, and that between Cuvier and George Cuvier as secretary for the French Academy of
Geoffroy, is very close. In part, this analogy rested Sciences, opposed Darwinism. The French Academy
on the circumstance that Pasteur, like Cuvier, had of Sciences published Flourensā? Examining the Book
the advantage of being consistent with the cultureās Written by Mr. Darwin Concerning the Origin of
biblical worldview. Pouchet was also attempting Species (Examen du livre de M. Darwin sur lāorigine
to convince others of his positions on the āorigin of des especes) in 1864. The theme of the book was that
monadsā? (i.e., bacteria) and on the origin of species. He Darwinian evolution depended on the occurrence
was attempting to provide arguments for evolution. of spontaneous generation and therefore could not
Even Richard Owen, a foreign outsider, could clearly be considered because spontaneous generation was
see, in nineteenth century France, the debate over false (Farley 1974). Pasteur not only gave light to
spontaneous generation had found implications the question of origins, but he also resolved it. Other
over how to interpret Genesis, bringing the French leading French scientists rallied to the cause because
Academy of Sciences into the ābattleā? over origins of political and religious implications of evolutionary
(Geison 1995). ideas. In this politically charged climate, many
During this time Pasteur conducted milk and members of the French scientiļ¬c elite preferred
48 A. L. Gillen and F. J. Sherwin III
Pasteur over Pouchet on political and scientiļ¬c
grounds. Many of these scientists joined the two-
pronged attack against Darwinism and spontaneous
generation.
No one seemed to pay attention to Pouchetās
insistence, like others before him, regarding
spontaneous generation. Pouchet was associated with
the forces of materialism, transformism, and atheism.
But whatever the title, the doctrine of spontaneous
generation was too dangerous to tolerate. A majority
of the French scientiļ¬c community was allied against
spontaneous generation. Pasteur, in spite of the
entreaties of friends and colleagues who said he was
wasting precious time, could not resist returning to
the battleground. He felt a sense of patriotic duty
and religious conviction to confront Pouchet and the
dangerous new liberalism of Europe. In 1864 Pasteur
gave his famous speech that provided his ļ¬nal āproofā?
that dismissed spontaneous generation (see summary
box below).
Pasteur not only refuted the strange idea that one
can get something from nothing, but he maintained Fig. 4. Joseph Lister (1827ā?1912). The Father of Modern
life must come from other life or the Author of Life. Surgery, about 1865, when he was in his thirties.
This soon led to an understanding of both disease
prevention (via aseptic techniques) and the germ Pasteur and the Germ Theory of Disease
theory of disease. He clearly demonstrated that A foundation in biology is the germ theory of disease.
infectious disease does not spontaneously appear as Although some may argue that this theory has its
āmiasmasā? (a poisonous gas formerly thought to arise origin with Girolamo Fracastoro in 1546, the name
from swamps and cause disease) but was the outcome most closely associated with the idea that germs cause
of disease-causing germs. Later, Joseph Lister (ļ¬g. disease is Louis Pasteur (Brock 1961, pp.69ā?75). It was
4), Christian physician and creationist, developed Pasteur who developed his ideas of fermentation and
the idea of using aseptic techniques (ļ¬g. 5) in surgery experimentsonmilkandwinespoilageindicatingdisease
(Brock 1961, pp.58ā?65). The idea of biogenesis was by microorganisms. Prior to Pasteur, the connection
antecedent to the concepts of both asepsis and the between microorganisms and disease was not apparent
germ theory of disease. Because creation thinking since many microbes were known to be beneļ¬cial for
embraces truth, real science, and Godās blessing, it humans (yeasts added to bread, or starter cultures for
frequently leads to life-saving practical applications, yogurt and cheese) and evidently did not cause disease.
especially in the world of medicine. Pasteur was the (The Jews, however, did seem to understand the idea of
ļ¬rst to successfully explain the genesis of germs and contagionāMoses had given them instructions for those
their implications. with infectious skin diseases in the book of Leviticus.)
Summary of Spontaneous Generation at the Sorbonne, Paris (1864)
Pasteurās work not only disproved abiogenesis but also offered guidance and support to other
researchers attempting to show that some diseases were caused by microscopic life forms. Thus, in a
simple but elegant set of experiments, Pasteur not only struck the doctrine of spontaneous generation
a āmortal blowā? but also helped to establish the germ theory of disease. This was a milestone in
creation microbiology. Pathogens are real. Pasteur said,
It is dumb, dumb since these experiments were begun several years ago; it is dumb because I have kept
it sheltered from the only thing man does not know how to produce, from the germs which ļ¬oat in the
air, from Life, for Life is a germ and a germ is Life. Never will the doctrine of spontaneous generation
recover from the mortal blow of this simple experiment! No, there is now no circumstances known in
which it could be afļ¬rmed that microscopic beings come into the world without germs, without parents,
similar to themselves.
(Vallery-Radot 1901, vol. 1, p. 142).
49
Louis Pasteurās Views on Creation, Evolution, and the Genesis of Germs
crowd. He was thrilled and triumphant by the recent
victory and biblical in his enthusiasm, declaring:
āHere it is! Oh ye of little faith!ā? (Debre 1998, p.400).
Pasteur, the Father of Microbiology, quoted Jesus
in Matthew 6:30. Does this sound like an agnostic,
Darwinist, or deist as some revisionist historians
have declared?
AskepticofPasteurmadethefollowingquestionable
assertion regarding the evolution of the anthrax
bacillus:
Later in his career, after he had developed the germ
theory of disease and was working to understand
the concept of virulence, Pasteur was more deļ¬nite;
āVirulence appears in a new light which cannot
but be alarming to humanity; unless nature, in
her evolution down the ages (an evolution which as
now we know, has been going on for millions, nay
hundreds of millions of years), has ļ¬nally exhausted
all the possibilities of producing virulent or contagious
diseasesāwhich does not seem very likely.ā?
Fig. 5. Antiseptic Surgery photograph: Victory over
Pasteurās understanding that virulence could evolve
Infection. Thanks to the work of Louis Pasteur and Joseph
was, in fact, the intuitive basis for his work on
Lister, a newly discovered antiseptic is being used by these
doctors who are performing an 1871 surgery in Edinburgh, vaccines. His skepticism towards Darwinās theory
Scotland. A carbolic acid (phenol) aerosol is sprayed with focused on asking for experimental conļ¬rmation for
this instrument. It showers an antiseptic mist over the Darwinās evolutionary mechanism, natural selection.
patient to kill pathogens that cause infection, providing a
Pasteur was above all an experimentalist, so it is not
ācleanā? surgery.
surprising that he wanted to see more experimental
proof (Cross 2006, p.13).
The Battle over the Anthrax Vaccine
The quote from Pasteur given above, without the
In Europe during the 1800s, anthrax ravaged
parenthetical statement, appeared in an article co-
livestock, especially sheep. In some ļ¬elds of France
authored by Pasteur (Pasteur, Chamberland, and
more than 10% of the sheep were dying. Robert Koch
Roux 1881, p.203). The parenthetical statement was
and Louis Pasteur had both reached the conclusion
added at a later time by an unknown author. Neither
its cause was the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
Vallery-Radot nor any of the early documents state
Since sheep were vital to Franceās economy, anthrax
Pasteur believed that evolutionary theory was related
was devastating thousands of herds. In 1878, Louis
to the virulence of anthrax. Pasteur used the word
Pasteur was summoned by concerned stock handlers
evolution to refer to change within a species, or the
to possibly produce a vaccine against anthrax. It was
variability of bacterial strains. Pasteur understood
an uphill battle; many doubted and were skeptical
the variability of microbes and how he could apply
of this strange science called vaccination. Ever the
this principle in vaccine preparation. He applied
humanitarian Pasteur went to work, and after several
this concept to vaccinate dozens of sheep that would
weeks of vaccination, the sheep with vaccination
have otherwise died at a critical time in France. His
survived and those without the vaccine died. Once
understanding of this natural variation was also
again, Pasteurās tireless work paid off. His vaccine
successfully applied in developing vaccines for chicken
not only saved millions of animals, but also led to a
cholera and rabies.
human vaccine as well (Gillen 2007).
In addition, the concept of changing the virulence
During Pasteurās initial anthrax investigation a
from a pathogen to an attenuated (weakened) microbe
wager had been made at Pouilly-le-Fort over whether
has nothing to do with neo-Darwinism (descent with
the vaccine would work. Most veterinarians, French
modiļ¬cation). In the case of the anthrax bacterium
scientists, and doctors had still not embraced the
(Bacillus anthracis), it was heated to a temperature
germ theory of disease. They believed anthrax was
of 43ĀŗC. This destroyed the plasmid-encoding toxin
somehow caused by an imbalance in the sheepās body,
gene but kept the bacterium alive. In fact, it loses
or some deleterious chemical. A public wager was
informationāin this case the pathogenicity gene (that
announced. But soon it was obvious that Pasteur had
Pasteur was unaware of). This weakened bacterium
gained another victory, further substantiating the
was injected by Pasteur into sheep to generate
germ theory. It was recorded that Pasteur stood in
enormous antibody production against pathogenic
his carriage and addressed his opponents through the
50 A. L. Gillen and F. J. Sherwin III
B. anthracis (the real germ) when it would later be He ļ¬rst achieved international fame at the age
encountered. Clearly, Pasteur understood the basic of twenty-seven by his crystallographic studies
dynamics of virulence, even though he did not know and his discovery of isomerism. It was through
about antibody production. Was it a horizontal change measurements of optical rotation of organic acids
within a created kind? Yes! Was it vertical change that he was led, by many indirect steps, to recognize
between created kinds? No! that the conversion of sugar into alcohol (in wine) or
lactic acid (in milk) is caused by microbes. In his ļ¬rst
biological paper, published in 1857 at age thirty-ļ¬ve,
Pasteurās Last Days
Skeptics, eager to downplay or denigrate creation he boldly formulated what he called the germ theory
scientists of the past, have rewritten the history of of fermentation. This theory proposed that each type
Pasteur and changed him into a skeptic embracing of fermentation is caused by a speciļ¬c kind of microbe.
evolution and Darwinās ideas. Yet his son-in-law, an He suggested that this theory could be generalized,
eyewitness, writes in The Life of Pasteur, the most and even suggested a speciļ¬c microbial etiology of
extensive biography yet written about Pasteur, disease. Eventually the hypothesis of speciļ¬c etiology
regarding his last days of faith in Christ: led him to speciļ¬c vaccinations and the germ theory
of infectious diseases.
Absolute faith in God and in Eternity, and a
Throughout his life, Pasteur stated that he had
conviction that the power for good given to us in this
been āledā? by an inescapable logic. He proceeded from
world will be continued beyond it, were feelings which
designed crystals and optical rotation to fermentation
pervaded his whole life; the virtues of the gospel had
studies and microbial control, and eventually to
ever been present to him. Full of respect for the form
microbial diseases and speciļ¬c vaccinations. One can
of religion which had been that of his forefathers,
recognize majestic and perhaps Divine ordonnance
he came simply to it and naturally for spiritual help
in these last weeks of his life (Vallery-Radot 1911, (Fr. architecture) in Pasteurās scientiļ¬c achievements.
vol.2, p.240). Although he started as a chemist and tried to solve
On January 1, 1895 (nine months before his death), the enigma of lifeās origins, it was later in his career
his colleague and friend Dr. Emily Roux brought that he focused on solving infectious diseases that
him the ļ¬asks that Pasteur had used to disprove threatened animal and human life. Through it all, he
spontaneous generation (Vallery-Radot 1911, vol.2, never lost his early interest in crystalline asymmetry
pp.238ā?239), the mythical idea that life can āpopā? and biogenesis. Pasteur began in 1844, by sorting out
into existence by time and chance. Pasteur seemed right- and left-handed crystals, and spent the rest of
to reafļ¬rm his belief in the Creator with no hint that his life just as patiently (and fruitfully) sorting right-
Darwinism had replaced his belief. Then, for those and left-handed facts until the Creator revealed the
who are skeptical about his belief in Christ, we go to secrets of microbes and germs.
the last day of his life, September 28, 1895 (4:40p.m.), Given the state of biology in the nineteenth century,
Louis Pasteur was found holding his wifeās hand with Pasteur certainly took the right path in his pursuit of
one hand and a cruciļ¬x with the other. He tightly chemistry and what would later be called microbiology.
gripped both for twenty-four hours. Does this sound Certainly the Hand of the Creator was guiding him.
like a man who had lost his faith in the Creator and He discovered the particular causes of fermentation
in Christ? and later the speciļ¬c origins of infectious diseases
that led to lifesaving vaccinations. Pasteurās writing
regarding fermentation, putrefaction, and germ
Pasteur and Providence
Pasteurās abundant life and series of remarkable theory soon reached Christian surgeon Joseph Lister
discoveries can only be attributed to genius and (1827ā?1912). Under Pasteurās inļ¬uence, Lister
tenacity in the face of numerous skeptics. Indeed, he postulated that microbes cause wound suppuration
was a genius and was very resolute in all his efforts. (noxious pus in wounds). Lister suggested that
Today, like Thomas Edison, he would be described as microbes be controlled or eradicated in medical
a workaholic. Yet his was a labor of love, and he had work. He developed the ļ¬rst antiseptics and later
a genuine desire to help mankind. No doubt these aseptic surgery that would protect millions from
attributes can be said of many other scientists. But fatal and nonfatal infections that occurred during
few can claim the lifetime achievements that Pasteur surgery. In addition, Pasteur was the ļ¬rst to notice
earned. The hand of God seemed to be behind him. the antimicrobial effects that some bacteria have on
Like the providential scripting of the book of Esther pathogenic bacteria. He noticed that some bacteria
in the Bible (where God is not mentioned explicitly), produced antibiotics against other competing bacteria.
we see a series of remarkable accomplishments. He noticed this in his milk studies in 1857 and then
Pasteur had been trained not in biology or more graphically in this anthrax studies in 1878.
pathology but in physics and organic chemistry. Many historians of science recognize the signiļ¬cance
51
Louis Pasteurās Views on Creation, Evolution, and the Genesis of Germs
of his observation that when Pasteur placed pathogenic believe that he believed in a recent creation, not one
bacillus in contact with soil microorganisms, they lost evolving over millions of years.
their virulence. He had a vision of an antimicrobial He also had a high view of human life and dignity,
effect (through antibiotics) that Alexander Fleming loved the compassionate virtues and ideals of the
(discoverer of penicillin) and others would realize and gospel, and held a high view of Jesus as the Son of
exploit a half century later. God. In his address Pasteur said, āThese are the
The biological sciences and medicine could not have living springs of great thoughts and great actions.
proceeded without the precise knowledge provided by Everything grows clear in the reļ¬ections from the
the concepts of biogenesis (life comes from life) and the Inļ¬nite.ā? Some of the letters to his children breathe
germ theory of disease. Microbiologists and medical a profound and simple piety. He declared, āThe more
scientists proļ¬t from the pioneering work of Pasteurās I know, the more nearly is my faith that of the Breton
creation thinking, especially Joseph Lister and those peasant. Could I but know all I would have the faith
who pioneered aseptic surgery. Untold numbers of of a Breton peasant woman.ā? Above all, what he could
lives have been saved. It is clear that the Hand of not understand is the failure of scientists to recognize
Providence was moving as Pasteur was conducting the clear evidence of the Creatorās hand in the world
his experiments. Perhaps, R.C. Sproul (1996, book around us. Pasteur was a traditional Catholic.
cover) summarized it best, āThe invisible hand that His life was focused on experimental science as it
governs the universe with āperfect intentionalityā? has related to infectious disease and the germ theory. In
worked for the good of those who love him.ā? all our primary readings, the worldview of Pasteur
is consistent with historic and traditional Catholic
teachings, including those about Creation and Christ.
Pasteur Recognized
In 1888, a grateful France founded the Pasteur Pasteur and the Catholics of his era believed that the
Institute. In the closing paragraphs of his inaugural creation is good, that God uses it for His purposes, but
speech, Pasteur said: that it is marred by original sin. Catholics believe that
Christ is the Creator and that Jesus is fully God and
Two opposing laws seem to me now to be in contest.
fully man. He is the King of the Cosmos, the Word of
The one, a law of blood and death opening out each
God, and the awaited Messiah of Israel.
day new modes of destruction, forces nations always
Louis Pasteur was also an experimentalist, daily
to be ready for the battle. The other, a law of peace,
performing operational science. He, like so many
work and health, whose only aim is to deliver man
other creation scientists, is a prime example that you
from the calamities which beset him. The one seeks
do not have to be an evolutionist to do good science.
violent conquests, the other, the relief of mankind.
Let no one claim that faith in God is detrimental to
The one places a single life above all victories, the
this burgeoning ļ¬eld. Pasteur, Franceās number one
other sacriļ¬ces hundreds of thousands of lives to the
scientist, said, āThe more I study nature, the more I
ambition of a single individual. The law of which we
stand amazed at the work of the Creator.ā? We have
are the instruments strives even through the carnage
seen Pasteurās faith was as genuine and logical as
to cure the wounds due to the law of war. Treatment
his science. In his panegyric of LittrƩ (i.e., elaborate
by our antiseptic methods may preserve the lives of
praise in formal slogan), whose fauteuil (armchair)
thousands of soldiers. Which of these two laws will
he took, he said, āHappy the man who bears within
prevail, God only knows. But of this we may be sure,
him a divinity, an ideal of beauty and obeys it; an
science, in obeying the law of humanity, will always
labor to enlarge the frontiers of life. (Vallery-Radot ideal of art, an ideal of science, an ideal of country,
1901, 2, p.289) and ideal of the virtues of the gospelā? (Vallery-Radot
1959, p.197). Pasteur was a man of progress. He
relieved the sufferings of others, gave them the means
Conclusion
The biography of Louis Pasteur is fascinating and of a better life, and never spurned the mundane but
complex. Granted, some of his beliefs and statements practical applications of his work. He taught that the
are not considered biblically orthodox. For example, strictest care must be exercised in experiment and
he said the Rosary and was involved in other Roman that through careful reasoning nothing should be
Catholic rituals. However, he clearly had a strong belief assumed without compelling proof. He was, without
in God and held to most Roman Catholic doctrines. doubt, one of the greatest benefactors of humanity,
Although he was not a young-earth creationist (YEC and he belongs to that heritage of France that it is
or biblical creationist) in the modern sense (he lived our bound duty to honor and to proclaim.
in a different time, continent, and culture), Pasteur We have given a brief history of the spontaneous
was clearly skeptical of Darwinās idea of evolution. generation controversy, of experiments proving
Little is said about his beliefs on the age of the earth. biogenesis, and of the development of the germ theory
But from a few anecdotal remarks, there is reason to of disease, including the conļ¬icting beliefs of Pasteur
52 A. L. Gillen and F. J. Sherwin III
and Pouchet. Louis Pasteur is known as the Father of (Hebrews 11:6). By Godās grace, Pasteur received the
Microbiology, mainly because of his work on the germ answers to these challenging questions.
theory. Many contemporary medical scientists and
physicians have been inspired by the ideas and efforts References
of these microbe hunters (Dekruif 1926; Gillen 2007). Brock, T. 1961. Milestones in microbiology. Washington DC:
The American Microbiology Society.
We would like to challenge those who study modern
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172:637ā?642.
microbiology and believers in the God of the Bible.
Cross, J. 2007. Was Louis Pasteur anti-evolution? Skeptic
These are the translated words engraved above
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Blessed is the man who carries in his soul, God, a Johns Hopkins University Press.
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ideal of science, ideal of the fatherland, and ideal Massachusetts: Little, Brown and Company.
of gospel virtues. Therein lie the springs of great Dubos, R.J. 1962. The unseen world. New York: The Rockefeller
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thoughts and great actions. (Vallery-Radot 1958,
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p.197)
Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University.
Pasteur was truly a man of Christian character
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and action. Louis embraced the values of the Gospels
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the later stages of this life. Pasteur believed in prayer, University Press.
the Bible, and the truths of the gospel as his goal. Farley, J. 1974. The initial reaction of French biologists to
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1911, vol.2. p.240). 7:275ā?300.
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The more we know of minute organisms the more Pasteur, L., aided by Messrs. Chamberland and Roux. 1881.
propagation is found to resemble higher plants and On the attenuation of virus and on its return to virulence.
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an achievement of far reaching importance in many Translated by Claud Hamilton. New York: Appleton.
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In conclusion, Pasteur began in 1844, by sorting
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