Who Is Linus Pauling? Age, Biography and Wiki
Linus Pauling was born on February 28, 1901, in Portland, Oregon, and passed away on August 19, 1994. He was a remarkable chemist, biochemist, peace activist, author, and educator. Renowned for his studies in chemical bonding and advocacy for nuclear disarmament, he remains one of the most influential scientists in history. By 2025, he would have been 124 years old, and while he is no longer alive, his legacy as a two-time Nobel Prize winner continues to inspire new generations in various fields, including science and activism.
| Occupation | Presidents |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 28, 1901 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 August, 1994 |
| Died Place | Big Sur, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Linus Pauling's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific body measurements for Linus Pauling are not prominently documented, he was known for having an average build. Historical records suggest that he stood around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle was important to him, which contributed to his longevity and active engagement in scientific communities until his later years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Linus Pauling was married to Ava Helen Pauling, an influential figure in her own right, who supported many of his initiatives and causes. They married in 1923 and remained partners throughout their lives until her passing in 1981. Together, they had four children, the Pauling family often engaging in Linus's scientific and humanitarian endeavors. As of 2025, there is no record of any romantic relationships posthumously for Linus, as he remains well-remembered for his devotion to his family and work.
Lucy stayed with her husband's parents in Oswego until Herman brought the family to Salem, where he worked briefly as a traveling salesman for the Skidmore Drug Company. Within a year of Lucile's birth in 1904, Herman Pauling moved his family to Oswego, Oregon where he opened his own drugstore. He moved his family to Condon, Oregon, in 1905.
By 1906, Herman Pauling was suffering from recurrent abdominal pain. He died of a perforated ulcer on June 11, 1910, leaving Lucy to care for Linus, Lucile and Pauline.
Net Worth and Salary
During his lifetime, Linus Pauling's net worth was primarily attributed to his academic positions, book publications, and scientific research endeavors. His estimated net worth at the time of his death in 1994 was around $2 million, although current estimates would vary widely due to the passage of time and historical context. His financial legacy continues through the Pauling Award and various scholarships that promote scientific research and education.
Career, Business and Investments
Pauling's career was characterized by his groundbreaking contributions to chemistry and peace activism. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1925 and subsequently took on professorships and research roles at several prestigious institutes. Notably, his work in quantum chemistry and molecular biology changed the way we understand chemical bonds and health.
He was also notable for his campaigns against nuclear weapons, receiving his second Nobel Prize in 1962 for his efforts in promoting peace. His strong advocacy for vitamin C and health supplements later gained attention but remains a subject of debate within the scientific community.
In high school, Pauling conducted chemistry experiments by scavenging equipment and material from an abandoned steel plant. With an older friend, Lloyd Simon, Pauling set up Palmon Laboratories in Simon's basement. They approached local dairies offering to perform butterfat samplings at cheap prices but dairymen were wary of trusting two boys with the task, and the business ended in failure.
Social Network
Although Linus Pauling passed away in 1994, he left a rich legacy of activism and scientific contribution that continues to be celebrated today. His family and several institutions continue to honor his work and principles. In 2025, his scientific contributions are celebrated on platforms like Wikipedia and various academic databases, keeping his work accessible for all generations.
His work on chemical bonding marks him as one of the founders of modern quantum chemistry. The Nature of the Chemical Bond was the standard work for many years, and concepts like hybridization and electronegativity remain part of standard chemistry textbooks.
While his valence bond approach fell short of accounting quantitatively for some of the characteristics of molecules, such as the color of organometallic complexes, and would later be eclipsed by the molecular orbital theory of Robert Mulliken, valence bond theory still competes, in its modern form, with molecular orbital theory and density functio
nal theory (DFT) as a way of describing chemical phenomena.
Pauling's work on crystal structure contributed significantly to the prediction and elucidation of the structures of complex minerals and compounds. His discovery of the alpha helix and beta sheet is a fundamental foundation for the study of protein structure.
Education
Pauling began his education at Oregon State University before transferring to the California Institute of Technology, where he made significant strides in his scientific endeavors. His education was marked by a strong foundation in the sciences, and following his Ph.D., he became an educator himself, imparting knowledge to countless students and inspiring future scientists.
At age 15, the high school senior had enough credits to enter Oregon State University (OSU), known then as Oregon Agricultural College. Lacking two American history courses required for his high school diploma, Pauling asked the school principal if he could take the courses concurrently during the spring semester.
Denied, he left Washington High School in June without a diploma. The school awarded him an honorary diploma 45 years later, after he was awarded two Nobel Prizes.
