Science · Art · 1822–1895
Born: 27 December 1822 · Died: 28 September 1895 · Age at death: 72
Louis Pasteur died aged 72. He was born on 27 December 1822 and died on 28 September 1895.
French scientist who proved germ theory, developed vaccines for rabies and anthrax and invented pasteurisation
Did you know?He was not a particularly strong student in science and once placed fifteenth in his chemistry class.
Pasteur proved that many diseases are caused by germs, an idea that transformed medicine and saved countless lives. His experiments showed that microbes do not appear spontaneously, but come from other microbes, overturning an ancient belief. He developed pasteurisation, gently heating liquids such as milk and wine to kill harmful bacteria, a process still used every day. He also created vaccines for anthrax and rabies, famously treating a boy bitten by a rabid dog in 1885. The Pasteur Institute he founded in Paris remains a world leader in disease research.
Louis Pasteur (French:; 27 December 1822 – 28 September 1895) was a French chemist, pharmacist, and microbiologist renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization, the last of which was named after him.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
“Chance favours only the prepared mind.”
Profile
French chemist and microbiologist, born 1822
Louis Pasteur was born in Dole on 27 December 1822.
He invented pasteurisation.
He developed vaccines for rabies and anthrax.
He founded the Pasteur Institute in 1887.
Career highlights
Did you know?He lost three of his five children to typhoid.
Questions people ask
1901–1992
1571–1630
b. 1965
b. 1948
b. 1995
1797–1869Missing someone? Suggest them
1929–1968
1642–1727
1935–1977
1942–2018A newspaper from their birth date
The front page from the day they were born, a classic keepsake.
Shop on AmazonCapricorn zodiac gifts
Jewellery, prints and candles for the Capricorn in your life.
Shop on EtsyStar map of December 27
A custom print of the night sky on their birthday.
Shop on EtsyMilestone birthday gifts
Ideas for 18th, 30th, 40th, 50th and beyond.
Shop on AmazonWe may earn a small commission from purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed by the Who Shares My Birthday editorial team.
Last reviewed: October 2026