Ferments et maladies

Paris: G. Masson, 1882. FIRST EDITION. With 12 plates and numerous text illustrations. Uncut in the original front wrapper, chipped, wrapper and first few leaves nearly detached; preliminary leaves somewhat spotted. First edition of the author's most important book. The work is divided into two parts, the first on the history, origin and theories of microscopic beings and their division into air, water and soil. The second section is devoted to aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fermentation, bacterial reproduction and the study of enzymes. Duclaux (1840-1904), a friend and disciple of Pasteur, offered the world's first course in microbiology while teaching at the Sorbonne.