Paris, Mallet-Bachelier (for l'Académie des Sciences), 1857. 4to (28.3 x 22.6 cm). On five pp. (pp. 1032-1036). Original printed wrappers.

Pasteur's true first note on alcoholic fermentation, PRECEDING his identically titled 1860 publication in the Annales de Chimie et de Physique, usually regarded as the first work in which he demonstrated that fermentation was not a purely chemical process, but needed the action of microscopic organisms. It is very rare to see this first contribution, as published, uncut, and without any library marking. Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) was "A chemist by training and profession [who] in a career of intense and brilliant work, rose to eminence in the fields of immunology, medicine and public health. Biological chemistry and the food and silk industries owe him eternal gratitude" (Dibner). We offer the complete issue 45(25) (21 December 1857; pp. 1025-1060) of the Comptes Rendus des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences. Wrappers ever so slightly faded at edges (as often with pink wrappers), and a bit frayed and chipped, as usual with uncut wrappers; very faintly dampstained in the lower margin; otherwise in a truly excellent state. Dibner, Heralds of Science,198; DSB X, p. 363.