Linus Pauling: A Man and His Science - Softcover

Anthony Serafini

Softcover

ISBN 10: 155778440X ISBN 13: 9781557784407

Publisher: Paragon House Publishers, 1991

Synopsis

hard cover book with dust jacket

About this title

About the Author

Anthony Serafini is a professor of philosophy at Centenary College. In addition to a PhD in Philosophy, he has a degree in Biology. He has also run a business for several years, has worked as a newspaper editor, and has taught journalism at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His published essays and articles have appeared in professional journals as well as magazines such as Omni and Science.

From Publishers Weekly

Pauling's hotly contested crusade for the supposed therapeutic value of vitamin C has overshadowed his pioneering contributions to science. His researches into sickle-cell anemia and the biochemical roots of mental illness, his investigations of DNA and the architecture of polypeptide chains, his applications of quantum mechanics to the nature of the chemical bond are the stuff of this solid, workmanlike biography. Serafini, who has written for Omni and other magazines, seems uncomfortable with Pauling's leftist politics, as he covers the charismatic scientist's anti-McCarthyist stances, his campaign for nuclear disarmament and commitment to other causes. Was Pauling involved in a losing race to unravel the structure of DNA? The tantalizing evidence here suggests he was, though most historians and scientists deny this. We also get glimpses of Pauling's acrimonious scientific rivalries, his occasional arrogance and tendency to self-promotion. As for vitamin C, Serafini's thorough appraisal finds that while the evidence is inconclusive, the controversy is "still very much alive." Photos.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Paragon House Publishers
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 155778440X
• ISBN 13: 9781557784407
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 310