Annual Publication 2025 FINAL 05292025 accessible - Flipbook - Page 66
PHILANTHROPY’S
1880s
Germ
Theory
1600s
Microscope
development
Patronage from Federico Cesi under the
auspices of the Accademia dei Lincei, or
the Lincean Academy, was instrumental
in Galileo Galilei’s development of the
microscope in the early 17th century.
Cesi’s support provided Galileo with
resources, intellectual collaboration,
and a platform to publish his 昀椀ndings,
including Sidereus Nuncius. This early
scienti昀椀c society fostered a culture of
inquiry and helped legitimize Galileo’s
innovations, in昀氀uencing the acceptance
of experimental science across Europe.
66 KIRK KERKORIAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT UNLV
Philanthropy played a crucial role in
advancing germ theory, particularly
through support for Louis Pasteur’s
groundbreaking research in microbiology.
In 1887, the establishment of the Pasteur
Institute in Paris was made possible by a
combination of public subscriptions and
private donations, re昀氀ecting widespread
philanthropic support for scienti昀椀c
endeavors. The institute became a
leading center for research on infectious
diseases and provided a platform for
Pasteur and his colleagues to further
develop and disseminate germ theory.
