Linus Pauling: Scientist, Peace Activist, and Double Nobel Laureate
Early Life:
Linus Carl Pauling was born on February 28, 1901, in Portland, Oregon, USA. Raised in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, Pauling’s interest in science was nurtured from an early age. His father, Herman Pauling, worked as a pharmaceuticals salesman, and his mother, Lucy Isabelle Darling, instilled a love for learning.
Education:
Pauling attended Washington High School in Portland, where he showed early promise in science. He went on to study chemical engineering at Oregon State University, graduating in 1922. His fascination with quantum mechanics and the structure of atoms led him to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Scientific Career:
In 1925, Pauling completed his doctorate and joined the faculty at Caltech. His early work focused on the nature of the chemical bond, and in 1931, he published “The Nature of the Chemical Bond,” a groundbreaking book that became a cornerstone in the field of chemistry. This work laid the foundation for his later research in structural chemistry.
Vitamin C and Health Advocacy:
In the 1940s, Pauling shifted his focus to biochemistry and health-related research. He became interested in the therapeutic potential of vitamin C and published influential papers on its importance in preventing and treating illnesses, including scurvy. His advocacy for vitamin C sparked both acclaim and controversy within the scientific community.
Peace Activism:
Pauling’s involvement in peace activism emerged during World War II and intensified during the Cold War. He became a vocal critic of nuclear weapons testing and spoke out against the dangers of nuclear fallout. His activism led to strained relations with the U.S. government, including having his passport temporarily revoked.
Nobel Prizes:
In 1954, Linus Pauling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on the nature of the chemical bond and its application to elucidating the structure of complex substances. He remains the only individual to receive two unshared Nobel Prizes.
In 1962, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his activism against nuclear weapons testing. However, his outspoken views and criticism of the U.S. government’s policies led to controversy, with some questioning the appropriateness of awarding a Peace Prize to a scientist during the Cold War.
Later Career:
Despite facing challenges due to his political views, Pauling continued his scientific work. He became a professor at the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions in Santa Barbara, California. In the 1970s, he returned to his earlier interests in quantum mechanics and authored books on the connections between science and humanism.
Personal Life and Death:
Linus Pauling was married to Ava Helen Miller, a peace activist, and they had four children. Ava Helen played a crucial role in her husband’s peace advocacy. Pauling lived a long life but faced health challenges, including a diagnosis of prostate cancer. He passed away on August 19, 1994, at the age of 93 in Big Sur, California.
Legacy:
Linus Pauling left an indelible mark on science, particularly in the fields of chemistry and molecular biology. His contributions to the understanding of the chemical bond and the structure of complex molecules remain foundational. Additionally, his advocacy for peace and social issues continues to inspire scientists to engage in societal discussions and contribute to global well-being.
