Bab 105: Chapter 105: The Drought is Coming
Chapter 105: The Drought is Coming
"Then rinse the activated charcoal with distilled water.
"Next, adjust the solution to an acidic pH to convert the penicillin molecules into their free form...
"After that, use alcohol to extract it, neutralize it with a basic solution, separate the solution, and extract it again with acid...
"Finally, filter it, and what you get is penicillin—or rather, Type One Antibiotic."
Joseph explained everything in one breath and concluded, "Add the resulting solution to the bacteria cultures we prepared earlier. If you see the bacteria disappear, it means the antibiotic is effective. If the bacteria remain unaffected, adjust the experimental conditions and try again."
He knew that making penicillin was extremely difficult. He was only providing Lamarck with the basic theoretical framework. It was like telling Columbus in the 15th century, "Hey, there's a new continent out there somewhere. Go find it!"
Columbus had to first get a ship and crew, then sail into the vast ocean, trying all directions and surviving countless life-threatening dangers, with only a slim chance of success.
Lamarck was facing a similar situation. Any step in the process—whether it was the composition of the culture medium, the timing, the pH level, or even a slight tremor in his hands—could lead to failure.
The most critical issue was the lack of a super strain of the bacteria. Even if the experiment succeeded, the yield would be pitifully small. And developing a strain that produced more penicillin could take years...
But Joseph was patient. No matter how long it took, once penicillin was successfully made, it would be like holding an unbeatable card. Even if they could only produce a small amount in the lab, saving just one commander on the battlefield could have immense strategic significance!
So, Mr. Lamarck, say goodbye to your hair. You might have to live in the lab for the foreseeable future.
Joseph silently wished Lamarck good luck, then added, "Count Lamarck, different strains of Penicillium produce different amounts of penicillin. You'll need to test many samples to find the strain with the highest yield. You might even have to encourage mutations..."
He realized he might be saying too much, so he quickly added, "Ah, don't worry about what mutations are. By the way, I'll leave you with 30,000 livres to fund the Type One Antibiotic experiments. When that runs out, I'll allocate more."
Lamarck felt something was off—did it really cost 30,000 livres just to run these experiments, and maybe even more?
However, this thought was fleeting, quickly overshadowed by his intense desire to develop penicillin.
Joseph then had Lamarck repeat the process a few times to ensure he understood. By the time it was around four in the afternoon, Joseph felt he had said all he could and prepared to leave the workshop.
As soon as he stepped outside, his mind was once again consumed with thoughts of food.
The immediate priority was potatoes—promoting their cultivation nationwide. This would be no easy task, given how much the French people rejected potatoes.
To ensure success, in addition to proper promotion, it would be best to use administrative measures, which meant getting the support of the Queen and Brienne.
To get their support, they would need some "motivation."
Joseph smiled slightly. Perhaps the terrifying memories of the "Flour War" would do the trick.
But who could help them remember?
After a moment of thought, he suddenly slapped his forehead—the perfect person was right next to him!
He quickly turned back to Lamarck, "Count Lamarck, I have a favor to ask."
"It would be an honor to serve you."
Joseph said, "Could you write a report for Archbishop Brienne, predicting that there will be a severe drought this year? You could analyze it based on unusual plant behavior or unusual weather patterns and suggest that the government prepare early."
Lamarck was so used to the Prince's surprising requests that he simply looked at him and asked, "You've noticed signs of a drought as well?"
Joseph was surprised, "You've noticed too?"
Lamarck nodded, "Many signs point to it, although it might not be as severe as you're suggesting. I'll write a report for Archbishop Brienne."
"No, you must write it as severely as possible!"
"Why?"
Joseph couldn't explain, so he just intensified his tone, "It's very important. Please do me this favor."
But Lamarck firmly refused, "Your Highness, I believe I must remain absolutely honest on academic matters."
"Uh, yes..." Joseph was a bit frustrated by the biologist's integrity.
He thought for a moment and then smiled, "But you don't need to lie.
"You could just add phrases like 'there is a certain probability' or 'there could be a risk' before predicting a severe drought."
Lamarck paused, thinking it over. Technically, any event has countless possible outcomes, and pointing out one possibility could still be considered rigorous academic research.
Inserting this kind of "rigor" into the report wasn't really a problem...
After reconciling his ethics with this favor, he hesitated, then nodded.
Joseph sincerely thanked the biologist and turned to leave, but was met with a soft voice, "It's a pleasure to see you, Your Highness."
Pernet had changed into a rare green dress and was holding up the hem of her silk floral skirt as she curtsied.
"Oh, I'm also glad to see you," Joseph nodded in return. "What brings you here?"
For some reason, Pernet's face was slightly flushed as she lowered her head, "I'm starting to study blood circulation with my father and can also help him manage the lab."
It wasn't because she heard the Prince had moved to Paris and rushed over, definitely not.
Joseph smiled, "With your assistance, Count Lamarck's experiments will surely progress much faster."
Pernet secretly encouraged herself and looked up, "Your Highness, I heard you'll be staying in Paris for a while. Perhaps I could continue performing your routine health checks."
"Oh, that would be wonderful. Thank you very much, Dr. Pernet."
The girl's face turned even redder.
...
Two days later, at Versailles.
Archbishop Brienne looked at the Paris Fashion Week planning book in his hand while listening to the Crown Prince describe the event's promising prospects, but he seemed somewhat distracted.
"The initial investment for Fashion Week will be less than 600,000 livres, with expected revenue exceeding 4 million livres," Joseph enthusiastically explained. "Additionally, developing real estate around the Tuileries Palace could bring in several million more.
"Once Fashion Week ends, the East Wing of the Tuileries Palace could be converted into the 'Paris Business Center,' generating ongoing revenue. And as Fashion Week grows in influence, we could even host the 'All-Europe Expo' here..."
Brienne nodded repeatedly, smiling, "Your Highness, your ideas are excellent. I've already added the 600,000 livres to the budget, and the documents to authorize the Tuileries Palace should be in your hands by tomorrow."
He then handed Joseph a few reports and said, "Your Highness, these are reports I've received in the past couple of days. Please have a look."
Joseph looked down and saw that the top report was titled Observations on This Year's Drought, signed by Lamarck.
(End of Chapter)
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