Linus Pauling: The Scientist Who Won Two Nobel Prizes

Linus Pauling (1901–1994) was one of the most influential chemists of the 20th century.
He pioneered the use of quantum mechanics to explain how atoms bond in molecules.
Pauling introduced the concept of electronegativity, showing why atoms attract electrons differently.
His book The Nature of the Chemical Bond (1939) became a classic in chemistry education.
In 1954, he won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on chemical bonds and molecular structures.
Pauling also researched proteins, revealing how the alpha helix and beta sheet structures fold.
Beyond science, he became a passionate activist for peace and nuclear disarmament.
In 1962, he won the Nobel Peace Prize, making him the only person awarded two unshared Nobels.
Later in life, he advocated for the health benefits of vitamin C, sparking debates in medicine.
Pauling’s legacy bridges science and humanity, showing how one mind can change both chemistry and society.