Spontaneous Generation and Germ Theory
Delivered at the Sorbonne in Paris on April 7, 1864, disproving the ancient doctrine of spontaneous generation and establishing germ theory.
Full Transcript
Great problems are currently under discussion which keep every mind on the alert: the unity or multiplicity of human races; the creation of man; the transformation of species.
Among these problems, there is one which holds a high place: the doctrine of spontaneous generation. Can matter organize itself? Can living beings come into the world without parents, without germs?
I have taken microscopic organisms and placed them in sterilized swan-neck flasks. So long as the neck remains intact, keeping airborne dust out, no living creature appears in the infusion.
No, there is now no circumstance known in which it can be affirmed that microscopic beings came into the world without germs, without parents similar to themselves.
The doctrine of spontaneous generation will never recover from the mortal blow struck by this simple experiment.
Defining Key Excerpts
"No, there is now no circumstance known in which it can be affirmed that microscopic beings came into the world without germs, without parents similar to themselves."
"Science has no country, because knowledge is the heritage of humanity."
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