Linus Pauling

Linus Pauling was born in 1901 in Oregon. He became one of the greatest chemists ever. He studied how atoms join together to make molecules. He won two Nobel Prizes in his life. One was for chemistry and one was for peace.

A Great Chemist

Pauling loved to learn how atoms bond together. He wrote books that helped many students learn chemistry. His ideas changed how people understood molecules. He also studied proteins in our bodies. His work helped doctors understand diseases.

A photograph of Linus Pauling's father as a young man.
A photograph of Linus Pauling's father as a young man. (Wikimedia Commons)

Working for Peace

Pauling did not like nuclear weapons. He wrote letters and gave speeches to stop weapons testing. Many countries listened to him. In 1962, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. He is one of only a few people to win two Nobel Prizes.

Fun Facts

  • He believed that vitamin C could help people stay healthy.
  • He wrote over 1,000 science papers in his life.
  • He is one of only two people to win two unshared Nobel Prizes.

Did You Know?

Linus Pauling is the only person to ever win two Nobel Prizes that were not shared with anyone else.