Extroverted Confusion Linus Pauling, Melvin Calvin and Porphyrin Isomers

Abstract

No other modern era chemist has influenced chemistry and molecular biology as much as Professor Linus Pauling (1901?1994) (Fig. 1).[1] In a career spanning seven decades he worked and made important contributions in all areas of chemistry including physical, structural, analytical, inorganic, and organic chemistry, as well as biochemistry. While always being interested in the structure and bonding of molecules, he worked on genetics, evolution, hematology, immunology, brain research, biomedicine and nutritional therapy, too. In addition, his charismatic and dynamic personality also made him a humanitarian par excellance. He remains the only person to have been awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes, the 1954 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and the 1962 Nobel Peace Prize