Peter Pauling

Peter Pauling was the son of the renowned Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and Ava Helen Pauling, and his life was deeply influenced by his family's involvement in science and politics. Growing up, Peter was exposed to the works of Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Niels Bohr, which sparked his interest in physics and chemistry. He spent his childhood moving between California Institute of Technology and Oxford University, where his father held positions, and was often surrounded by notable figures such as Erwin Schrödinger and Werner Heisenberg. Peter's upbringing was also marked by his parents' activism, including their involvement in the American Civil Liberties Union and opposition to the Vietnam War.

Early life and education

Peter Pauling's early life was marked by frequent moves between the United States and the United Kingdom, as his father held positions at California Institute of Technology and Oxford University. He was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy and later attended University of California, Berkeley, where he studied physics and mathematics under the guidance of Emilio Segrè and Glenn Seaborg. During his time at University of California, Berkeley, Peter was exposed to the works of Richard Feynman and Murray Gell-Mann, which further fueled his interest in theoretical physics. He also spent time at CERN, where he worked alongside Georges Charpak and Carlo Rubbia.

Career and research

Peter Pauling's career was marked by his work in biophysics and molecular biology, fields in which his father, Linus Pauling, was a pioneer. He conducted research at Stanford University and University of London, where he collaborated with Francis Crick and James Watson on projects related to DNA structure and protein folding. Peter's work also took him to MIT, where he worked with Norbert Wiener and John von Neumann on projects related to cybernetics and computer science. He was also involved in the Human Genome Project, a collaborative effort between National Institutes of Health and Wellcome Trust.

Personal life

Peter Pauling's personal life was marked by his interests in music and art, which he shared with his father, Linus Pauling. He was an avid collector of rare books and manuscripts, including works by Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei. Peter was also a skilled pianist and enjoyed playing the works of Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms. He was married to Sandra Pauling and had several children, including Linus Pauling Jr., who followed in his grandfather's footsteps in science and medicine. Peter's family was also close to the family of J. Robert Oppenheimer, and they often spent time together at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Relationship with Linus Pauling

Peter Pauling's relationship with his father, Linus Pauling, was complex and multifaceted. While he admired his father's work and shared his passion for science, he also struggled with the pressure of living up to his father's expectations. Peter's father was a strong advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament, and he often involved Peter in his activism, including their joint efforts with Bertrand Russell and Albert Schweitzer. However, Peter also had his own interests and pursuits, which sometimes put him at odds with his father. Despite their differences, the two remained close, and Peter often sought his father's advice on matters related to science and politics.

Later years and death

In his later years, Peter Pauling continued to work on projects related to biophysics and molecular biology, including collaborations with Sydney Brenner and Francis Crick at University of Cambridge. He also remained involved in politics and activism, working with organizations such as American Civil Liberties Union and Physicians for Social Responsibility. Peter passed away, leaving behind a legacy of contributions to science and society, and a family that continued to be involved in politics and activism, including his brother Crellin Pauling, who worked with Greenpeace and Sierra Club. Peter's death was mourned by his colleagues and friends, including Stephen Hawking and James Watson, who remembered him for his contributions to science and his commitment to social justice. Category:Scientists