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End note

An Eminent Native Son

Native Oregonian Linus Pauling is the most famous scientist to come out of the Northwest and some would argue the most important American scientist of the 20th century. Despite the fact that he never earned a high school diploma—dropping out early in his senior year—he completed a doctorate at age 24 and was appointed full professor at Cal Tech five years later. The only person in history to win two unshared Nobel Prizes—one for chemistry and a second for peace—Pauling was recognized for his work on the chemical bond and the structure of complex molecules and for his battle against the spread of nuclear weapons. To mark the 50th anniversary of his chemistry prize, the Oregon State University Libraries launched a Web site in 2004 that offers a documentary history of their distinguished alumnus: http://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/specialcollections/coll/pauling/bond/index.html. February 28, Pauling's birthday, is observed each year as Linus Pauling Day at OSU.

Photo courtesy of Ava Helen and Linus Pauling Paers, Oregon State University Libraries