ALS in French, signed “L. Pasteur,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, August 18, no year. Letter to his assistant Eugene Maillot, in part (translated): “I have not noted that the tar vapors were good at something. Certainly the phenic acid ones had no appreciable effect and rather bad than good. Marie-Louise’s marriage will bring us back to Paris sooner than expected. I will talk to Mr. Tisserand about Mr. de Chavannes; but I anticipate great difficulties: Mr. de Chavannes had only one mission yearly renewable. Mr. Susani is writing me that maybe you could modify your time distribution and inspect education in the style of Mr. de Chavannes, if he is not replaced, professor in winter, traveler in spring and in summer. But does not the ministry want very much that you do each year a small variation style? You are not talking to me about this combination Susani. Would you want it? Would not it be too difficult to find in this…of your treatment and if you did not obtain this result, what's the point to impose on yourself such hard work of travels during the hot season? Mr. Tisserand has always seemed to me to think highly of your efforts. You can contact him with confidence. I will help you if you ask me to, I do not need to tell you. But understand what is desirable to you, by good of service and that the future will not lead to unpleasantness. You know what I think: According to me your future could be in inspection but will sericulture ever go to such important creation. Thousand good friendships and from all of us here.” Pasteur adds a postscript penned vertically along the central margin: “If Mr. de Chavannes has no rights to retirement—Do you know if the ministry of agriculture such as the apiculture ministry has renewable pension funds each…this affects public inspection.” In fine condition, with a couple of small stains.Format: ALS