Abstracts
“Getting Started at the Institute”
August 26, 2011
Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University. Listen to Audio | Download Transcript (PDF)
In interview 1, Lawson discusses his background before his employment with the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, his hiring at LPISM, and his initial role at the Institute. He also describes his early interactions with Linus Pauling and the evolution of their relationship over time, including their scientific collaborations. He likewise shares his recollections of Pauling's personality and work style, and his memories of Ava Helen Pauling.
“Working with Pauling”
September 19, 2011
Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University. Listen to Audio | Download Transcript (PDF)
In interview 2, Lawson recounts his interactions with various members of Linus Pauling's family, including Pauling's four children. He also reflects on the donation of Pauling's papers to Oregon State University, discusses the Pauling home at Deer Flat Ranch, and shares his thoughts on specific aspects of Pauling's personality. Lawson likewise expresses his opinions on a selection of biographies that have been written about Pauling and recalls Pauling's final illness, death and memorial service.
“Research at LPISM”
November 8, 2011
Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University. Listen to Audio | Download Transcript (PDF)
In interview 3, Lawson details his initial employment interview with the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, describes the LPISM facility at that time, and reflects on the personal and professional characteristics of certain of its critical employees. Among those discussed are Arthur Robinson, Emile Zuckerkandl, Ewan Cameron and Frank Catchpool. Lawson also recalls Pauling's dispute over vitamin C and cancer with researchers at the Mayo Clinic; the funding model that was utilized by LPISM for most of its history; and the Institute's move to a new facility in 1980. Throughout the session, Lawson touches upon various research programs and funding initiatives that were undertaken by the Institute during the 1980s.
“Tough Times”
November 11, 2011
Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University. Listen to Audio | Download Transcript (PDF)
In interview 4, Lawson describes the ways in which the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine responded to the Mayo Clinic controversy. He also details the vitamin C and cancer research that was conducted by Ewan Cameron while at LPISM; the critical and public response to Pauling's 1986 book How to Live Longer and Feel Better; and research on vitamin C and AIDS that was conducted by Cameron and Raxit Jariwalla.
From there, Lawson shares his memories of the personal and professional characteristics of a former LPISM colleague, Matthias Rath; LPISM's response to a rezoning effort initiated by the city of Palo Alto; and the departures from LPISM of scientist Emile Zuckerkandl and administrator Rick Hicks.
Lawson likewise recalls the death of Ewan Cameron; the departure from LPISM of Matthias Rath and the litigation that subsequently ensued; the role assumed by Linus Pauling Jr. in administering LPISM; and important financial donations that LPISM received during a very difficult period in its history. The session concludes with Lawson's thoughts on the Institute's past relationship with the Elizabeth Arden company, and the impact on LPISM of Linus Pauling's death in 1994.
“A New Life”
November 14, 2011
Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University. Listen to Audio | Download Transcript (PDF)
In interview 5, Lawson discusses his assumption of the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine; recounts the history of the Linus Pauling Heart Foundation; and details the process by which it was decided that LPISM would move from Palo Alto, California to the campus of Oregon State University. He then provides insight into the Institute's physical and administrative relocation to Oregon; early allies that the Institute found at OSU; important hires that were made once the organization had settled at OSU; and the rationale behind the change of the Institute's name to the Linus Pauling Institute.
From there, Lawson discusses litigation that lingered in the early OSU years; the creation of the LPI Micronutrient Information Center; and broader research that continues on intravenous vitamin C. The session concludes with a discussion of the founding of the LPI Prize for Health Research; the construction and impact of the Linus Pauling Science Center; and future endeavors envisioned for LPI.
“Cast of Characters”
December 15, 2011
Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University. Listen to Audio | Download Transcript (PDF)
In interview 6, Lawson shares his memories of many individuals who either worked at or were otherwise affiliated with the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine. Notable figures discussed include: Zelek Herman, Dorothy Munro, Richard Hicks, Raxit Jariwalla, Constance Tsao, Akira Murata, Fukumi Morishige, William Aberth, Wolcott Dunham, Irwin Stone, Bruce Ames, Lester Packer, and Mark Levine.