Linus Pauling Online"All students of biology and chemistry know the story of the discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule. Watson and Crick (with the help of Wilkins and Franklin) were the first to elucidate the structure of the hereditary molecule that carries the information for all life forms. What is not often understood is that Watson and Crick's work rested on the earlier insights of Linus Pauling, the American chemist who described the three-dimensional structure of proteins and nucleic acids. Pauling's work was recognized by the Nobel committees twice: for chemistry and for peace. He remains the only scientist so honored. Linus Pauling Online, maintained by Oregon State University, is an admirable compendium of Pauling's immense contributions to the understanding of the molecules that shape our world, and of the issues in the scientific, biomedical, and political spheres that fascinated him over a long, productive life.
This is a huge, absorbing, and utterly involving site, suitable for use by students, teachers, and professionals alike. There is the story of the discovery of the DNA structure, for example, told from Pauling's perspective--much different from that of James Watson! Most exciting, perhaps, is the searchable database of Pauling's research notebooks. These are treasure troves of information that illuminate the drudgery, as well as the successes, of scientific work. Dip into notebook #24, for example, and on p. 084 read the frustrated scribble, "I can't explain this." Is this a moment of despair or of discovery? A typed note dated 22 April 1971 begins, "I have been interested for some time in the possibility that vitamin C has anti-cancer activity...." This Web site is astonishing, multilayered, and packed with information. In short, it is a fitting tribute to its namesake." Choice January, 2010.
