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Linus Carl Pauling (February 28, 1901 - August 19, 1994) was an American scientist, peace activist, author and educator. He is considered the most influential chemist of the 20th century and ranks among the most important scientists in history. Pauling was one of the first scientists to work in the fields of quantum chemistry, molecular biology and orthomolecular medicine (optimum nutrition). Pauling is one of a small group of people who have been awarded more than one Nobel prize, only one of two people to receive them in different fields (the other was Marie Curie) and the only person in that group to have been awarded each of his prizes without having to share it with another recipient. In 1954 Pauling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry "for his research into the nature of the chemical bond and its application to the elucidation of the structure of complex substances". Pauling's x-ray crystallographic research in crystal and protein structure determination as a biochemist helped lead other scientists to the eventual discovery of the double helix structure of the DNA molecule, which contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of all living organisms on earth. During the Second World War Pauling, an avid anti-Nazi, worked on research and development that had military applications. However, when the war ended he became particularly concerned about the further development and possible use of atomic weapons and with the destruction inflicted on the world by war in general. Ava Helen Pauling, Linus's wife of fifty-eight years, was a pacifist and in time he came to share her views. Pauling, along with others such as Albert Einstein began to express their concerns publicly. Pauling was particularly concerned with the effects of nuclear fallout and in 1962 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in campaigning against above-ground nuclear testing. His beliefs were not without controversy at the time and he was criticized by some for his actions. Pauling was also successful as an author and educator, his first book The Nature of the Chemical Bond (1939) a summary of the ten years of research that lead to his Nobel award, is considered influential even to this day, as is his introductory text book General Chemistry (1949). Later in life, he became an advocate for greatly increased consumption of vitamin C and other nutrients. He generalized his ideas to define orthomolecular medicine, which is still regarded as unorthodox by conventional medicine. He popularized his concepts, analyses, research and insights in several successful but controversial books centered around vitamin C and orthomolecular medicine. How to Live Longer and Feel Better (1986) a New York Times bestseller, continues to introduce many to his suggestions on nutrition and ways for people to lead a healthier lifestyle.
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