Today in Technology History
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February 28
One hundred years ago today, Linus Pauling, one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century, was born.
An American, Pauling had a doctorate in chemistry by age 24 -- and by the time he was 30, he had revolutionized molecular theory. Pauling was the first scientist to apply quantum mechanics to molecules. The theory of resonance he introduced in 1931 explains how molecules can gain stability by sharing electrons. And it was Pauling who first proposed that protein molecules might be shaped like a helix -- even before Watson and Crick discovered the helical shape of the DNA molecule.
For his studies of chemical bonds and protein structures, Pauling won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1954.
After World War II, Pauling became deeply involved in the fight against nuclear testing. He made speeches, wrote letters to world leaders, and drafted a petition that was signed by more than 11,000 scientists. His anti-nuclear campaigning led some critics (including congressional investigators) to accuse him of being a communist, a charge he strongly denied.
For his labors against nuclear testing, Pauling was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962. (Only four individuals have been awarded two Nobels, and Pauling was the only double-laureate who didn't have to share either prize.)
After 1970, Pauling became an advocate for megavitamin therapy, the notion that extremely high doses of vitamins can ensure good health. Although most biochemists do not accept this view, the popularity of vitamin C is largely due to Pauling's prestige and a series of books he wrote on the topic.
Pauling died on August 19, 1994.
Related links:
Use these links to read the speeches in honor of Pauling's Nobel Prizes in 1954 (click here) and 1962 (click here).
A special "Centenary Celebration" homepage has been set up by the Linus Pauling Institute.
Click here to read the final interview Pauling gave before his death.
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