He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 97

(97) Eugene’s Patron, Marie, Also Came

Still, the understanding of microorganisms was limited, as bacteria hadn’t been discovered yet.

“How is this even possible? Is it some kind of magic?”

The principle of canning is simple.

First, cooked food is placed inside a jar, can, or tin.

Then, it’s sealed to prevent air from entering or escaping.

Next, it’s heated to over 100 degrees Celsius [212 degrees Fahrenheit].

This sterilizes the contents, killing any bacteria inside and preserving the food for an extended period.

However, Louis Pasteur’s groundbreaking work on bacteria was still in the future.

The germ theory of disease was yet to be established.

So, Saliceti, who had studied at the University of Florence in Tuscany, was understandably astonished.

It was like witnessing a feat of [illusion].

Eugene smiled and replied.

“Highly developed science can appear indistinguishable from magic.”

“Science? Is that what you call it? Now that I think of it, you mentioned protecting Lavoisier. Is this connected to his research?”

“Not directly, but Lavoisier’s research methodology inspired me.”

In truth, there’s no direct link between Lavoisier’s work and the discovery of bacteria.

However, Lavoisier’s emphasis on empirical observation profoundly influenced the French scientific community.

Instead of merely theorizing, scientists were encouraged to rigorously test their hypotheses through experimentation.

And to spare no expense in the pursuit of proof, even if it meant sacrificing valuable resources.

Like diamonds, for example.

“Through experimentation involving burning various substances, I arrived at this result.”

“How is it even possible? No, the underlying principle isn’t that important right now. Can this be mass-produced?”

“Actually, the principle is quite important. It’s not essential for you to understand it in detail, Director. But yes, mass production is feasible.”

It truly is important.

Because Napoleon’s army is currently battling infectious diseases.

The cold weather has kept things relatively under control, but summer is fast approaching.

Therefore, addressing the issue of bacteria may be even more crucial than canning itself.

Suddenly, Eugene turned to Ippolito.

“By the way, where is Colonel Lareille?”

“Ah, he’ll be here shortly.”

“It’s impolite to keep the Director waiting. Tell him to hurry.”

Just then, a man entered the temporary office of the chief adjutant at the Serbelloni Palace.

“I’m never late. I was waiting outside, sensing that you weren’t quite finished with your discussion.”

Jean-Dominique Lareille, chief surgeon of Napoleon’s Italian army.

He was the one who personally examined the commander’s health after the Battle of Lodi.

A man destined to be remembered for his surgical prowess.

However, Eugene intended to utilize Lareille for a slightly different purpose.

Eugene smiled and held up the canned food.

“Then the explanation will be brief. Have you heard? This canned food remains unspoiled for over five months.”

“Hmm, impressive. It would be highly beneficial for military rations.”

“Indeed. But that’s not the sole reason I summoned you here.”

Lareille had previously served as a professor at the Val-de-Grâce military hospital in Paris.

He seemed somewhat surprised that Eugene was aware of his background.

Of course, the most astonishing revelation was yet to come.

“Why doesn’t this canned food spoil? You, above all others, need to understand the underlying principle.”

Lareille frowned.

“Food preservation isn’t exactly my area of expertise.”

“Allow me to rephrase. Lately, you’ve been treating wounded soldiers and performing amputations frequently. The injured soldiers were sent to Turin.”

“That’s correct. Because if left untreated, their wounds will fester.”

At that moment, Eugene wore a peculiar smile.

“Why do they fester?”

Instantly, both Lareille and Saliceti widened their eyes.

It’s common knowledge that wounds are susceptible to infection on the battlefield.

However, few have ever pondered the fundamental reason behind this phenomenon.

At best, they attribute it to the ‘bad air’ prevalent on the battlefield.

But Eugene had created a ‘food container’ that resists spoilage.

Lareille’s eyes widened as he asked.

“Could it be that this canned food is related to that?”

“It is. The principle behind putrefaction is the same.”

“What on earth is it?”

Eugene gestured lightly.

Then, Ippolito retrieved an object from the desk in the adjutant’s office.

A microscope, an optical instrument for observing the microscopic world.

“Isn’t that a microscope used in anatomical studies?”

“Milan doesn’t have a medical school yet, so I encountered some difficulty. I dispatched someone to Turin to acquire it.”

“What’s the purpose?”

Eugene pointed to the microscope and answered Lareille’s question.

“If you peer through a microscope, you can observe [microorganisms]. You’re aware of that, aren’t you?”

The size of single-celled organisms was already known at this time.

In fact, even larger types of bacteria are visible under magnification.

Microscopes had been manufactured in the Netherlands since the 16th century, so this knowledge was not entirely new.

They simply lacked the understanding of the [causal relationship] between these microorganisms and the onset of disease.

Lareille blinked and narrowed his eyes.

“Could it be that those microorganisms cause food to rot?”

“The same applies to human injuries. In fact, most diseases are caused by them. That’s what I’ve demonstrated.”

“That’s preposterous! It’s unscientific. How can microorganisms cause flesh and food to decompose?”

At that moment, Eugene held the canned food up to Lareille.

“The meat inside and human flesh are fundamentally the same. Yet, this meat hasn’t spoiled even after five months. Why? Because I heated it and eliminated the microorganisms.”

Lareille stared at the canned food and the microscope, stunned and unable to speak.

Eugene simply gazed intently at Lareille.

This man’s mindset needed to be transformed.

Otherwise, no matter how much Eugene emphasized [hygiene], his efforts would be futile.

Suddenly, Lareille’s shoulders slumped.

“I have no choice but to believe in this canned food. The food inside is undoubtedly what I saw in Nice last time. So, what do you want me to do?”

That’s it.

Eugene smiled and unfurled a blueprint for Lareille.

Lareille’s eyes widened again as he examined the blueprint.

“A plan to establish a sanitation unit?”

“That’s right. A formal unit comprised of medical officers and sanitation soldiers. Until now, medical officers have primarily focused on treating injuries, but now they will be responsible for the overall health and hygiene of the army.”

“What exactly are my responsibilities?”

Eugene handed Lareille a plan for troop deployment.

“The top priority is to eradicate microorganisms in military camps and implement disinfection protocols during surgery. We will provide refined alcohol for disinfection. The disinfection procedure is outlined here.”

Alcohol had been known among European alchemists since the 13th century.

The distillation process is also relatively straightforward.

Simply vaporize the alcohol.

Initially, Eugene aimed to introduce the very concept of hygiene into the military.

In the original timeline, Napoleon’s Italian army suffered greatly from infectious diseases during the expedition.

At the very least, he intended to organize a unit dedicated to hygiene measures to prevent such outbreaks.

Furthermore, it would be even more advantageous if Lareille mastered not only surgery but also bacteriology.

Because Lareille would likely continue to serve as the chief medical officer of Napoleon’s army.

After listening to Eugene’s concise explanation, Lareille nodded and accepted the plan.

“So, I’m responsible for organizing the troops myself?”

“No. General Laharpe will assist with troop organization. Consult with Chief of Staff Berthier regarding the supply of materials.”

“Everything has already been discussed. I understand.”

As Lareille hastily rose to leave, Saliceti, who had remained silent until then, spoke.

“No, why the rush? Have some coffee before you depart. Are you leaving already?”

“Looking at the plan, I feel a sense of urgency. If microorganisms are truly the root of the problem, we need to establish the unit without delay. Have you ever examined soil under a microscope?”

“No, I haven’t.”

It’s unlikely that Saliceti, a law school graduate, would have ever used a microscope.

Lareille nodded, as if he had anticipated that response.

“Then, I encourage you to take a look sometime. It’s teeming with life. Microorganisms are ubiquitous in the world. We need to implement hygiene measures swiftly.”

Watching Lareille rush out, Saliceti clicked his tongue.

“He’s always in a hurry. That’s why he can perform an amputation in just two minutes.”

“Have you witnessed it?”

“I’ve attended military inspections in the Pyrenees. That man has amputated the arms and legs of 200 people in a single day. Anyway.”

Surprisingly perceptive, the fox-like Saliceti smiled strangely.

“Seeing you specifically summon Lareille here like this, do you have something to say to me regarding this microorganism matter?”

He’s quick on the uptake, as expected.

Of course, Eugene had no intention of lecturing Saliceti on microbiology.

Not everyone needs to be a scientist or a doctor.

Eugene held up the tin can again.

“I want the approval process for this canned food to proceed expeditiously. Patent registration with the Paris Patent Office, permission to establish a factory in Milan, and military supply approval as well.”

This is why he put on the canned food [demonstration] for the politician Saliceti.

The long shelf life of canned food and the endorsement of the renowned military doctor Lareille were all showcased for this purpose.

Originally, canned food was invented in 1810 by Peter Durand of England.

However, the underlying principle is the [sealing principle] conceived by the French confectioner Nicolas Appert.

It’s a relatively simple method, allowing anyone to mass-produce it if they understand the principle.

Therefore, it requires special protection through a patent.

Europe, particularly England, has a strong respect for the law.

Even in enemy countries, patents are generally respected once registered.

England has had a patent registration system since the 17th century, and France has had one since the revolution.

This registration process is naturally complex, but Eugene intended to expedite it through his influence.

Saliceti stroked his chin and nodded.

“Well, if it’s successfully implemented, it will be a valuable food source. During this campaign, we discarded almost all of our food due to its weight, correct?”

“That’s right. Especially during the Battle of Lodi, we only carried three days’ worth of rations. After winning, we discovered that the enemy carried at least seven days’ worth.”

“Ah, that’s the minimum. Originally, the Austrian forces even bring their own cooks. We used to do something similar.”

Watching Saliceti, a native of Corsica, refer to ‘our’ France, Eugene smiled.

“So, all the licensing procedures need to be completed quickly. Factory establishment permits and formal approval as a supply for the army, too.”

He had experienced battlefields where canned food was not essential, but the situation was changing.

Future campaigns would involve longer marches, and food supply could become more challenging.

Especially in Italy, where food is abundant, supply disruptions could occur at any time during wartime.

This is why he was discussing the [canned food] mass production business with Saliceti, not a businessman.

“Can’t you simply ask General Napoleon?”

“Isn’t Director Saliceti the administrative head? Besides, I have a gift for you, Director.”

“A gift?”

Eugene snapped his fingers.

-Click!

At the same time, Ippolito brought a box filled with silver coins from a safe in the adjutant’s office.

The amount was at least over 100,000 francs.

Saliceti smiled without refusing the silver coins.

“Oh my, you shouldn’t have. I would have taken care of it myself even without this.”

“Looting becomes a weakness, Director.”

“Wh, wh, what do you mean?”

Eugene said with a cold smile.

“I intend to go far with you, Director. The Commander feels the same way. Even if it’s a donation, looting churches will become grounds for attack by political enemies if the political climate changes in the future.”

This was the reason why Saliceti fell out with Napoleon in the original timeline.

The looting of churches near Milan.

As a result, Saliceti sided with Joseph instead of Napoleon and ended up in the Kingdom of Naples.

He lived comfortably until he was suddenly poisoned, but he never reached the pinnacle of the French government.

However, Eugene planned to keep Saliceti close.

Even to counter other ‘foxes’ within the French government in the future.

Because he didn’t know when figures like Fouché and Talleyrand might emerge.

Suddenly, Saliceti smacked his lips and smiled strangely.

“I understand.”

“I’ll provide the necessary political funds. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Then, I understand. In return, I simply need to assist with the canned food business, correct? Is there anything else?”

Saliceti knew that Eugene wasn’t the type to exploit weaknesses.

He had witnessed Eugene’s loyalty to Napoleon since Toulon.

Therefore, he was a reliable negotiating partner.

Eugene nodded and proposed a new deal.

“Military uniforms and shoes, blankets and belts, tents. Oh, and canteens. These consumables will also be produced in Milan. Gunpowder and weapons, especially new weapons, will come from Marseille. So, please assist with the establishment of the factory as well.”

Saliceti, who had been quietly assessing Eugene’s plan, whistled.

He was proposing the establishment of a commercial and production base in Milan before the war intensified.

This way, when the Austrian army eventually arrived, Milan could serve as a supply hub.

Moreover, Eugene would control that hub.

There was even careful consideration in this plan.

All weapons would originate from mainland France.

“I see your point. Items requiring secrecy will be produced in mainland France?”

“Italy will primarily serve as a source of mass-produced goods and food. As you know, the Holy Roman Empire is still intact. There’s a significant demand for military uniforms, shoes, and food for the upcoming battles.”

“Yes, Commander Napoleon mentioned that he only has about a hundred days to spare. Okay, let’s get to work. Huh?”

Saliceti was about to widen his eyes as he looked behind Eugene.

“Wow, you’re busy here too, Oppa [older brother]?”

This time, even Eugene was surprised.

When he hurriedly turned his head, Hortense was standing and smiling.

Hortense, who should have been receiving education at a girls’ school in Paris.

How did she travel all the way to Milan?

Eugene jumped up and approached Hortense, asking.

“Hortense? What are you doing here?”

“Why? I followed Mom. You summoned me, didn’t you? Saying that Uncle Napoleon was sick or something. I’m tired of your whiny letters.”

“Ah, that’s um. Did you really come? After reading those letters?”

It seemed that Eugene had written the letters too convincingly.

Eugene smiled wryly and then widened his eyes again.

Because from the hallway, a beautiful girl with an unforgettable face appeared.

Marie Thérèse, now a 17-year-old girl, was glaring at Eugene with a sulky expression.

“Hmph, why didn’t you send that letter to me?”

Eugene was so flustered that he ended up addressing Marie in this manner.

“Princess? Wh, why are you here?”

The girl who was once Eugene’s [benefactor] chuckled and replied.

“Call me Mademoiselle Marie, Eugene.”

The day Napoleon met Josephine and Giuseppina.

Eugene also reunited with Marie.

June 1795, a splendid early summer day in Milan.