Memorable Quotes from Walter Kingsford
1 quoteInquiry into the Existence of Microorganisms
Dr. Charbonnet
You remember a few years ago, he was the cause of a slight controversy on the subject of sour wine.
[about Pasteur]
Napoleon III
Oh, yes, I recall.
Dr. Charbonnet
He claimed to have found little animals in it... infinitesimal beasts.
Napoleon III
But are there such creatures? Do they really exist?
Dr. Charbonnet
Your Majesty, microscopic organisms have long been observed. They spring into being of their own accord wherever there is putrid matter or fermentation. They are the result rather than the cause of disease. By heating wine to certain temperature, Monsieur Pasteur was able to destroy them. I presume he plans to cure blood poisoning in the same manner: namely, by boiling our blood.
Napoleon III
Heaven forbid.
Dr. Charbonnet
It's not unlikely, I assure you.
Napoleon III
But I won't have it, Charbonnet. I won't tolerate such practices. We're not living in the Middle Ages. This is France... Paris... the nineteenth century.
Empress Eugenie
I think Monsieur Pasteur should be allowed to defend himself.
Dr. Charbonnet
But, your Majesty...
Empress Eugenie
I, too, have read the pamphlet, Doctor Charbonnet. It said nothing about boiling blood - merely to boil the instruments that you surgeons use.
Dr. Charbonnet
Your Majesty, if I did anything so absurd as to boil my instruments or scrub my hands, they'd think I was a witch doctor resorting to charms and laugh me out of the hospital.
Empress Eugenie
That would be a novelty, Monsieur. Most people who go to hospitals are CARRIED out... dead.
Napoleon III
Yes, Cahrbonnet. Why?
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