Linus Pauling

Linus Carl Pauling was born on February 28, 1901, in Portland, Oregon, USA. He was the son of Herman Henry William Pauling and Lucy Isabelle (Darling) Pauling. Linus Pauling would go on to become one of the most renowned scientists of the 20th century, making groundbreaking contributions to chemistry and molecular biology. His work was pivotal in the fields of chemical bonding and structure, and he won two Nobel Prizes during his lifetime.

In 1925, Linus Pauling received his PhD in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His dissertation focused on the crystal structure of complex silicates. During his time as a graduate student, Pauling worked under the supervision of Roscoe G. Dickinson, and his research laid the groundwork for his future studies in the nature of the chemical bond and quantum chemistry.

In 1931, Linus Pauling published his seminal paper on the nature of the chemical bond, titled 'The Nature of the Chemical Bond. Application of Results Obtained from the Quantum Mechanics and from a Theory of Paramagnetic Substances to the Structure of the Molecules.' This work revolutionized the field of chemistry by establishing the concept of hybridization of atomic orbitals and was critical in the understanding of molecular structure and bonding.

In 1939, Linus Pauling published his book 'The Nature of the Chemical Bond and the Structure of Molecules and Crystals'. This book became influential in the field of chemistry and is considered a classic in chemical literature. It provided a comprehensive overview of the chemical bond, introducing concepts such as electronegativity and covalent bonding, and it has been described as one of the most important chemistry books ever written.

In 1951, Linus Pauling and his associates Robert Corey and Herman Branson proposed the alpha helix structure of proteins. The alpha helix is a fundamental component of protein secondary structures and was a breakthrough in understanding the three-dimensional configuration of proteins. Pauling's insights into protein structure helped pave the way for advancements in molecular biology, ultimately leading to the discovery of the DNA double helix.

On December 10, 1954, Linus Pauling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research into the nature of the chemical bond and its application in the elucidation of the structure of complex substances. Pauling's work in this area had profoundly transformed the science of chemistry, earning him recognition as one of the greatest chemists of the 20th century. He is celebrated for his pioneering research and educational contributions in chemistry.

In February 1958, Linus Pauling presented a petition against nuclear weapons testing to the United Nations. The petition was signed by over 11,000 scientists from 50 different countries and called for the cessation of nuclear tests. Pauling's advocacy for nuclear disarmament was a key part of his peaceful activism and demonstrated his commitment to using science for the betterment of humanity. This effort contributed to later treaties banning nuclear testing.

Linus Pauling received the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1962, for his activism against nuclear weapons testing. His efforts were instrumental in rallying scientists and the public against the dangers of nuclear fallout, advocating for the cessation of nuclear testing. He became the only person to be awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes, having already received one in Chemistry in 1954. His work promoted peace and social responsibility.

In 1970, Linus Pauling published his controversial book 'Vitamin C and the Common Cold'. In this book, Pauling argued that megadoses of vitamin C could prevent or alleviate the common cold. The book sparked widespread public interest and debate over the role of vitamins in health. Although Pauling's claims were met with skepticism by some in the medical community, the book elevated the public's interest in nutritional supplements.

Linus Pauling died on August 19, 1994, at the age of 93 in Big Sur, California. He was suffering from prostate cancer. Pauling's death marked the end of a prolific career in science and activism. He was remembered as a visionary scientist, a peace activist, and a passionate proponent of scientific inquiry. His contributions to the understanding of chemical bonding, molecular biology, and public health continue to influence scientists today.