Louis Pasteur ALS Re: "the sacred fire of Science" - Superb!

A 1p autograph letter signed in French by celebrated research scientist Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) as "L. Pasteur" near lower right. Dated November 21, 1861 on bifold stationery with "École Normale Supérieure / Paris, le -- 186 - / Université de France" letterhead. Expected light paper folds and a few extra wrinkles. Uneven light toning. Minor mounting traces verso, else near fine. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA Authentication Services, serial number AH00897, dated October 13, 2020.

The letter is addressed to an unidentified professor at the École Normale Supérieure, a prestigious teacher's college in Paris founded in the 1790s. Translated in part, with punctuation silently added to improve clarity:

"Monsieur,

I hasten to inform you that, conforming to your wish, all [of] the 3rd year [students] of the Science section will attend your opening lesson. [I am] happy to inspire myself [by being] near such an illustrious geometrician, whose noble ardor is so well suited to communicate the sacred fire of Science to youth.

Please accept, Monsieur, the homage of my profound respect,

L. Pasteur."

Louis Pasteur was an alumni and faculty member of the École Normale Supérieure. He attended the ENS between 1843-1847, earning his doctorate in sciences there. He became its Director of Scientific Studies in 1857. Over the next decade, Pasteur implemented policy changes which toughened Science Department curriculum and examinations, but also increased the prestige of the institution.

This letter should be viewed then, as one addressed from a supervisor to a subordinate--from the managing director to a professor. The invitation to attend the lecture was extended by the professor, but might it also have served as a type of performance review? Pasteur's profusely complimentary language suggests that he admired the professor on a personal and well as professional level.

Louis Pasteur was a chemist and microbiologist who discovered that bacteria in liquids are destroyed by heating, a process called pasteurization in his honor. Pasteur also developed a vaccine for rabies. Beginning in 1880, he successfully inoculated animals for chicken cholera and anthrax and paved the way for mass immunizations. Pasteur remained head of the Pasteur Institute until his death in 1895.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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