Pauling, Linus

[person]

(February 28, 1901 - August 19, 1994) An American chemist, peace activist, author, and educator. Pauling was a pioneer in the fields of quantum chemistry and molecular biology, and is considered one of the most important scientists of the 20th century. He is a Nobel laureate in both Chemistry and Peace. One of Pauling's most important contributions to molecular biology was his work in 1949 showing that sickle cell anemia is caused by an abnormal protein. Pauling is also remembered, with both praise and criticsm, for his later work with vitamin C as a disease cure and preventative. He founded the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, now part of Oregon State University, which researched micronutrients, phytochemicals, and other aspects of diet in controlling and preventing disease.