Linus Pauling was a scientist who not only won a Nobel Prize, but he also studied Vitamin C as a possible cure for a number of diseases.
A Man of Many Talents
While Linus Pauling may not be a person who is easily recognized in society, he certainly had a lot of contributions to make. From being a world renowned chemist to a peace activist and an educator and author, Pauling used his intelligence to help make the world a better place. Singularly winning two Nobel Prizes in two different fields, Pauling was recognized for his achievements, though he might not be a household name as of yet.
Where Linus Pauling Came From
Born in 1901 in Portland, Oregon, Pauling was a curious man from the start. It is said that his father had to request more books for Linus to read in order to keep up with his intellect. This boy wanted to learn as much as he could about the world around him, turning to more and more school in order to satisfy his intelligence. With a humble start at Oregon Agricultural College, he moved on to Calteach and then pursued upper level work at UCSD and Stanford.
Linus’ Fields of Study
Though Linus is considered to be a chemist above all, he also studied different facets of this science – biochemistry and quantum chemistry. In these advanced fields, he wrote a number of papers and articles, helping to secure his place in chemistry history. Though he might not be as famous as someone like Einstein, we was able to figure out the concept of covalent bonds and the structures of molecules, something which was unheard of during the time. These findings would impact the world of science for decades, with aftershocks still taking place today.
A Man for Peace
With his knowledge about the world of science, it’s interesting also to note that Linus Pauling was a man who favored nuclear disarmament in the world. Believing the world could be safer and more peaceful without nuclear weapons did not make him a favorite in the scientific community, but his expertise in the chemistry field did cause him to be a widely respected voice in the battle against nuclear weapons.
The Vitamin C Debate
Linus Pauling was also a man who debated the effectiveness of Vitamin C to cure many types of diseases. His research in the field is respected today, though some still debate its reliability. From helping with the common cold to helping those with cancer, Pauling believed Vitamin C was the answer to many woes. The Pauling Institute resources available today help patients decide for themselves what their next course of treatment might be.
Learning about Linus Pauling and his impact in the world helps people to better understand just how far the human brain can take the world – and how it can change even just a corner of the world for the better.