How did the success of the rabies vaccine lead to the founding of the Pasteur Institute?

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Painting by Albert Edelfelt showing Louis Pasteur in his laboratory, holding a glass flask and examining it intently, surrounded by scientific equipment on a workbench. — Louis Pasteur In the 19th century Louis Pasteur's work established the germ theory of disease, proving that microorganisms cause fermentation and sickness, which led to the development of pasteurization, aseptic techniques in medicine, and effective vaccines for diseases such as rabies. (Painting by Albert Edelfelt, 1885.)

The success of the rabies vaccine, first demonstrated by Louis Pasteur on July 6, 1885, when he treated a young boy named Joseph Meister, brought him immediate international fame and glory. Because the vaccine successfully saved hundreds of bite victims worldwide, it effectively launched the era of preventive medicine.

Following this achievement, an international fundraising campaign was initiated to honor his work and support further research. These efforts culminated in the construction of the Pasteur Institute in Paris, which was officially inaugurated on November 14, 1888.1