In 1894 Pasteur's former pupil, Yersin, isolated the bacillus of the bubonic plague, and had the pleasure of exhibiting it to his old master. "There is still much to do!" said Pasteur with a sigh. His health continued to fail steadily till September 28, 1895, when a final hemorrhage quenched forever the most brilliant mind ever bestowed upon a member of the human race.
Pasteur died a poor man, although, had he so chosen, he might have aggrandized himself beyond the dreams of avarice. But, considering that his ideas were heaven-sent, he bestowed them freely upon the whole world.
I can not find more suitable words with which to close this paper than those addressed by Pasteur to the students of the University of Edinburgh in 1884 upon the occasion of his visit there for the purpose of receiving the degree of doctor of laws from that ancient foundation. "Young gentlemen, work perseveringly. Work can be made into a pleasure, and alone is profitable to a man, to his country, to the world. Whatever career you may embrace, look up to an exalted goal. Worship great men and great things."
