KSEEB Solutions for Class 10 Chapter 4 Louis Pasteur, Conqueror of Disease 24-25

Louis Pasteur: Conqueror of Diseases

I. Glossary

Campaigns: A series of military operations.
Decorated: Gave a medal.
Tanner: One who makes animal skin into leather.
Brewer: One who makes beer.
Ferments (v): Changes by means of a chemical reaction involving yeast or bacteria.
Yeast: A type of fungus (tiny plant) used to produce alcohol and make bread soft.
Cell: The smallest unit of a living organism that can reproduce and perform functions.
Mouldy: Covered with soft greenish material (tiny plants) that grow on food kept in warm, wet places.
Track down: To trace or find after a thorough search.
Inoculation: Treating against a disease by injecting a weak form of the same disease (vaccine).
Immune (adj): Resistant to harm from a disease due to natural resistance or protective treatment.
Rabies: A dangerous viral disease of mammals transmitted through saliva, causing severe symptoms.
Enteric: Relating to the intestine.

II. Comprehension Questions

A. Answer the following questions briefly:

“Louis Pasteur was not a soldier, but he was a fighter.” What does the statement mean?
- It means Pasteur fought against diseases instead of in battles, showing his dedication to helping people.
What are bacteria?
- Bacteria are tiny rod-shaped organisms that can cause diseases or assist in processes like fermentation.
As a scientist, how was Louis Pasteur unique?
- Pasteur was unique because he applied his discoveries to practical problems in industries and public health.
How did Pasteur try to solve difficult problems?
- He would think deeply and silently, often spending hours contemplating before finding solutions.
a) How would Pasteur react whenever he solved a problem?
- He would become excited and rush to share his discovery.
  b) What does this reveal about him as a person?
- It shows he was passionate and enthusiastic about his work.
What discoveries did Pasteur make about yeast?
- He discovered yeast is alive and healthy yeast cells are essential for proper fermentation.
What does “spontaneous generation” mean?
- It is the belief that germs can arise spontaneously without parent germs.
Did Pasteur believe in spontaneous generation? If not, what did he believe in?
- No, he believed germs came from other germs carried through the air.
In the statement, “Pasteur proved that he was right…” What did he prove?
- He proved germs do not arise spontaneously but come from other germs.
In the second soup experiment, which soup was the worst, best, and better?
- Worst: Hotel bedroom soup; Best: Mountain soup; Better: Field soup.
What is “Pasteurisation”?
- It is the process of heating liquids like milk to kill harmful germs.
What quality of Pasteur is highlighted in the statement, “It would be impossible to imagine Pasteur experimenting with explosives or poisonous gas”?
- It highlights Pasteur’s altruistic nature.
On what study did Pasteur spend three years?
- Tracking down the cause of a disease affecting silkworms.
How is vaccination different from inoculation?
- Vaccination is a specific form of inoculation for preventing diseases.
What made Pasteur believe a cow could not have anthrax twice?
- He observed cows that survived anthrax did not get it again.
What made many scientists angry?
- Pasteur’s idea of injecting weak germs to create immunity.
What is rabies?
- A dangerous viral disease transmitted through bites of infected animals.
How was Pasteur a better scientist than Jenner?
- Pasteur understood bacteria and developed broader inoculation methods.
How was the low death rate in WWI a tribute to Pasteur’s work?
- It showed the effectiveness of his vaccinations in protecting soldiers.
a) What are the two opposing laws Pasteur talked about?
- The law of blood and death; The law of peace, work, and health.
  b) Which law did he favour?
- The law of peace, work, and health.
What was his message to young students on his 70th birthday?
- He encouraged contributing to humanity and serving one’s country.
What is the supreme happiness Pasteur talks about?

The joy of contributing to humanity’s progress and welfare.

B. Close Study

“Do germs form from other germs, or do they just come of themselves?”
a) People like Pasteur believed germs were carried in the air and could infect other things.
b) The belief that germs arose without parents was called “spontaneous generation.”
c) Pasteur proved he was right by boiling soup to kill existing germs, sealing it to prevent new germs, and showing it remained uncontaminated.
“If you can cure animals, you can cure my son.”
a) Pasteur cured animals of anthrax by inoculating them with weak anthrax germs.
b) The “son” referred to was a young boy bitten by a mad dog, at risk of rabies.
c) Yes, Pasteur cured the boy by inoculating him with weak rabies germs.

III. Paragraph Writing

What was troubling the French wine-growers? How did Pasteur solve their problem?
The French wine-growers were troubled by a germ that caused their wine to turn sour. Pasteur solved the issue by heating the wine to 50-60 degrees centigrade to kill harmful germs. This method, called “pasteurization,” prevented spoilage and became a standard for preserving food and beverages.
How did Pasteur develop the idea of immunity?
Pasteur developed the idea of immunity while studying anthrax. He inoculated animals with weak anthrax germs and found they became immune to stronger strains. This experiment demonstrated that exposure to weakened germs could protect against diseases, forming the basis for vaccination.
What human qualities of Pasteur do you admire?
Pasteur’s altruism, dedication, perseverance, humility, and passion for improving public health are admirable. Despite skepticism from others, he remained focused on solving real-world problems, helping humanity, and achieving breakthroughs that saved countless lives.
“All the research which he did in his laboratories was meant to help his fellow human beings.” Elucidate.
Pasteur’s research aimed to address real-world problems. He worked tirelessly to combat diseases, improve food safety, and develop vaccinations. His practical approach benefitted industries and public health, proving his commitment to humanity’s welfare.
What would have been the fate of humankind if Louis Pasteur had not discovered the vaccine against rabies?
Without Pasteur’s rabies vaccine, the disease would have caused countless deaths, as it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. His work not only saved lives but also laid the foundation for modern vaccines, shaping the future of medicine and public health.

IV. Vocabulary Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks with the opposites of the words underlined:

The machines were busy, but they are idle now because there is no electricity.
Some of the students were interested in the lesson while the rest were disinterested in it.
We have appointed a new manager because the previous one was ineffective.
To maintain one’s health one should eat food that is fresh, not stale.
Someone dropped a burning cigarette on the carpet, and that was the cause of the fire. The consequence was that the whole building burned down.
The wounded tiger attacked the hunter, and he was unable to defend himself.
Our army has checked the enemy’s advance, and they have no other option but to retreat.
There is a progressive improvement in the school’s results since 2006; thank God it is not regressive.

B. Discuss in pairs the difference between the words in each pair and frame sentences:

(Answers will vary based on interpretation, but example sentences could include:)

Idle vs. Active:
- Idle: The machines were idle during the power cut.
- Active: The active worker completed all tasks efficiently.
Interested vs. Disinterested:
- Interested: She was interested in the lecture on science.
- Disinterested: He remained disinterested in sports despite the ongoing tournament.

C. Identify the qualities of Pasteur:

Altruistic: “…nearly all the time he was working to help people who were suffering in some special way from disease.”
Trustworthy: Pasteur proved that he was right about germs being carried in the air.
Pacifist: It would be impossible to imagine Pasteur experimenting with explosives or poison gas.
Untiring: For three years, he spent all his time and energy tracking down the cause of a silkworm disease.
Risk-taker: One can imagine how dangerous this idea of giving people the germs must have seemed in those days.
Modest: He looked around, thinking the cheers must be for someone else.
Altruistic: The boy’s mother told Pasteur, “If you can cure animals, you can cure my son.”
Idealistic: “…that science, in obeying the law of humanity, will always labour to enlarge the frontiers of life.”

D. Medical Terms:

Pediatrics: The science that deals with the diseases of children.
Oculist: One who treats eye diseases.
Ophthalmology: Science of the diseases of the eye.
Rhinologist: One who treats the diseases of the nose.
Urologist: One who treats kidney diseases.
Epidemic: A disease attacking many people simultaneously.
Amputate: To cut off a part of the body.
Pathologist: One who studies the nature and origin of diseases.
Anatomy: The science of the structure of the human body.
Physiognomy: The art of judging character from the face.
Anaesthetic: A medicine that produces insensibility.
Amnesia: Loss of memory.
Asphyxia: Fainting or death from lack of air.
Autopsy: Examination of a dead body.
Congenital: A disease or weakness present at birth.
Panacea: A remedy for all diseases.
Euthanasia: Killing a person with an incurable disease without pain.
Convalescence: Gradual recovery from illness.
Gerontologist: One who studies the diseases of old age.
Antidote: A medicine to counteract poison.

V. Grammar and Language Exercises

A. Change the following into the Passive Voice:

The French wine-growers asked Pasteur for help.
→ Pasteur was asked for help by the French wine-growers.
Pasteur saved the wine industry.
→ The wine industry was saved by Pasteur.
He showed the people how to get rid of the germs in wine.
→ The people were shown by him how to get rid of the germs in wine.
The germs caused the wine to turn sour.
→ The wine was caused to turn sour by the germs.
His discovery changed the whole outlook on disease.
→ The whole outlook on disease was changed by his discovery.
He prepared a vaccine against rabies.
→ A vaccine against rabies was prepared by him.

B. Rewrite the conversations in reported speech:

Pasteur: “Do germs form from other germs, or do they just come of themselves?”
→ Pasteur asked whether germs formed from other germs or if they just came of themselves.
Pasteur’s colleague: “What is the use of investigating this question?”
→ Pasteur’s colleague asked what the use of investigating that question was.
Pasteur: “It will teach us how to prevent diseases.”
→ Pasteur replied that it would teach them how to prevent diseases.
Pasteur’s critics: “You are wasting your time on mad ideas.”
→ Pasteur’s critics told him he was wasting his time on mad ideas.
Pasteur: “Some day you will know I was right.”
→ Pasteur told them that someday they would know he was right.

VI. Listening and Speaking Activity (Example Dialogue)

Listen to the recording of Pasteur’s life (teacher-guided).
Summarize in pairs or role-play the following dialogue:
Mother: Can you save my son from rabies?
Pasteur: I have never treated a human for this disease.
Mother: Please try, or my son will die.
Pasteur: It is risky, but I will try my best.

VII. Writing Activities

A. Write a Letter

Imagine you are Pasteur. Write a letter to a government official requesting funding for further research.

Sample Letter:


Respected Sir/Madam,  
I am writing to seek your esteemed support in funding my research on infectious diseases. Recent successes in developing vaccines for rabies and anthrax demonstrate the transformative potential of this work. With adequate resources, I am confident we can further combat life-threatening diseases and benefit public health globally.  
Thank you for considering this request.  
Yours sincerely,  
Louis Pasteur

B. Write a Diary Entry

Imagine you are Pasteur, and you have just saved the boy bitten by the mad dog.

Sample Diary Entry:


July 6, 1885  
Today, I took a bold step—one that I hope will save not only a young life but many more in the future. The boy, Joseph, was bitten by a rabid dog. His mother begged me to help. Though hesitant, I administered the vaccine I had developed. I pray my work proves fruitful. If successful, this day will mark a turning point in medical history.  
- Louis Pasteur

C. Write a Speech

Prepare a short speech on “The Importance of Vaccines.”

Sample Speech:

"Good morning everyone,
Vaccines are among the greatest discoveries in human history. They save millions of lives by preventing diseases that once caused untold suffering. Louis Pasteur’s groundbreaking work on vaccines for anthrax and rabies reminds us of the power of science to transform our world. Vaccines are not just cures; they are shields, protecting future generations from harm. Let us continue to support vaccination efforts and celebrate the heroes behind them. Thank you."

Summary of Louis Pasteur, Conqueror of Disease

Louis Pasteur was a renowned scientist known for his dedication to understanding and fighting diseases caused by bacteria, small rod-shaped organisms found in various environments. Born in a small French town, he initially pursued chemistry and later became a professor. Pasteur's research focused on solving practical problems related to decay, fermentation, and diseases affecting industries like brewing and silk production in France.

One of Pasteur’s significant discoveries was the germ theory, which showed that germs do not arise spontaneously but are carried in the air. Through experiments with specially shaped bottles, he demonstrated that soup remained fresh if it was not exposed to dust. He also developed the pasteurization process, a method of heating liquids to kill harmful germs, ensuring their safety for consumption.

Pasteur’s work laid the foundation for bacteriology and the development of vaccines. He discovered a way to immunize animals against anthrax by using weakened germs, which proved successful in public experiments. This breakthrough led to the creation of vaccines for other diseases, including rabies, and brought him widespread recognition.

Pasteur’s legacy is celebrated through institutions like the Institute Pasteur in Paris, which continues to contribute to medical research. He firmly believed that the future would belong to those who worked for the welfare of humanity. Louis Pasteur passed away in 1895, leaving behind an enduring impact on science and public health.