Microbe Hunters

This is kind of a history told by those who lived it - almost. First published in 1926 when this new science of biology (that we all now take for granted) was the thing of wonder and mystery Kruif writes a timeless classic about the first explorers of the microbe universe.

The writing is a bit heavy and the story is told in a dramatized fashion. Still, though, the book is a great read and very inspiring. A fascinating look into the world of science and discovery.

I am a retired OB/GYN and this book started me on the course that led to about 4000 deliveries. I read this book in the 3rd grade and was inspired to follow in the footsteps of these great men. And I now will be purchasing this book for my grandchildren in the hope they will enjoy it as well.

Microbe Hunters tells the fascinating stories of some of the men who discovered the causes of diseases that killed millions. From Louis Pasteur to Walter Reed, these were devoted scientists who risked their lives in pursuit of the truth. This focus and devotion is truly admirable. The story of how Pasteur discovered the concept of vaccination is illuminating. Paul De Kruif writes in a manner that allows the reader to feel like he is often present as these men make their discoveries. He highlights their brilliance, as well as their common traits that remind us they are human. The value that the subjects of this book brought to humankind are incalculable, they saved millions and millions of lives. This book shows the power of science and how it is directly responsible for the flourishing of human life.

Microbe Hunters tells the fascinating stories of some of the men who discovered the causes of diseases that killed millions. From Louis Pasteur to Walter Reed, these were devoted scientists who risked their lives in pursuit of the truth. This focus and devotion is truly admirable. The story of how Pasteur discovered the concept of vaccination is illuminating. Paul De Kruif writes in a manner that allows the reader to feel like he is often present as these men make their discoveries. He highlights their brilliance, as well as their common traits that remind us they are human. The value that the subjects of this book brought to humankind are incalculable, they saved millions and millions of lives. This book shows the power of science and how it is directly responsible for the flourishing of human life.

I read this book when I was about 11 and I credit it with sparking a passion in me for science that lasted. I became a doctor in a family where none of my 3 siblings even went to college. Someone made a comment about the dramatic heavy writing style but I guarantee that at the age of 11 that served to pull me into the book more. I love this book. It captures the joy and mystery of scientific discovery and gives a piece of history too. It also helps a kid see how assumptions of what is true can interfer with science. I would recommend it to any child over probably 8 yo who is interested in science.

I am in the middle of this book, and I highly recommend this to anyone interested in science history. While the language and racial terms may be insulting to some(although that was how they spoke then) I like how he describes the passion those early scientists had, how they knew what they wanted and would do what they wanted to get it, risking their own health to do so. Interesting to science lovers

I used to find it very boring when a presentation began by harkening back to the 1800s, but after reading Microbe Hunters this is no longer the case. Microbe Hunters is written in an incredibly engaging style that makes one appreciate the history of microbiology. Fascinating and well worth a read.

Microbe Hunter's initial copyright was in 1926 by author Paul de Kruif although the first printing dates to 1918.
The pages begin with "... microscopic critters can inflict upon humankind torments and agonies unsuspected, sufferings unheard of, pains and diseases yet unnamed..." all Nature is over-run and covered with a kind of leprosy."
A few centuries past history was made by Antony Leeuwenhoek who was born into a world of superstitions where Galileo was silenced for life when he proved that the earth rotated the sun. But Antony was a man of wonderment and an insatiable curiosity that would lead to the development of the world's first microscope. He was the first to observe "beasts" that annihilated entire animal and human species that were millions of times larger in size. These silent and invisible purveyors of contagions and panics could cover a major swath of predation without warning.
Microbe Hunters is a 350 page manuscript of twelve chapters where the names of countless chemists, scientists and observers punctuate the pages with too-many-to count individual disappointments but compensated with the once-in-a-decade alas "I found it" moment of ecstasy.
The science of microbe hunting was popularized by many diseases that were in need of cures and treatments during the nineteenth century when population densities expanded along with new railroads, greater economic opportunities, and new medical discoveries.
Human and animal diseases in need of attention during the times of Pasteur, Ehrlich, and Voltaire were pervasive.
The book has chapters and pages on nagana, Texas fever, cholera, rabies, smallpox, anthrax, shiga, malaria, diphtheria, tuberculosis, syphilis, and Malta fever.
Microbes emerged on planet earth perhaps three billion years past and their existence into perpetuity is no doubt assured. Their ability to mutate and adapt to rapid changes presents contrasts to human and animal adaptations that are generational; medical and scientific discoveries have accelerated humanity's Providence but advancing anti-biotic resistant germs may temper future progress.
Indubitably.

Our son, who formerly claimed to not like science, absolutely loved this book!

This was a re-read for me at age 75. I first read this book in high-school and was captivated by the story and the author's writing. The tales of medical and biological pioneering still captivate, but the writing comes across today as pedantic.