Linus Pauling: A Man and His Science - Hardcover

Serafini, Anthony

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0913729884 ISBN 13: 9780913729885

Publisher: Paragon House, 1989

Synopsis

Traces the life of the influential American scientist discusses his areas of research, and looks at his efforts to stop nuclear testing.

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Paragon House
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0913729884
• ISBN 13: 9780913729885
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 310