Profile of the Day: Linus Pauling

On February 28, 1901, chemist Linus Pauling was born. Considered one of the most influential chemists in history, Pauling is often recognized as one of the founders of quantum chemistry and molecular biology.

Image: Linus Pauling / Library of Congress

Pauling was born in Portland, Oregon to Herman Henry William Pauling and Lucy Isabelle “Belle” Darling. He was named “Linus Car” after his maternal grandfather, Linus, and his paternal grandfather, Carl.

Over the course of his career, Pauling published more than 1,200 papers and books. He made numerous discoveries across several scientific fields, including the discovery that sickle cell anemia is a molecular disease. His studies of chemical bonding made him one of the founders of modern quantum chemistry. For his revolutionary work in the field of chemistry, Pauling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954. During World War II, his focus shifted to his work as an activist for peace and spoke against the development of nuclear weapons. In 1962, Pauling received his second Nobel Prize for Peace for his efforts to stop atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. To date, Pauling is the only person in history to receive two unshared Nobel Prizes.

Pauling died on August 19, 1994 at the age of 93.

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