"The Future of Physical Chemistry" May 7, 1968. Symposium in Dedication of the Arthur Amos Noyes Laboratory of Chemical Physics, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena.
Norman Davidson: Let me read to you from, from the introduction. Linus Pauling is one of the great
scientific figures of our time. His work, more than that of any other individual,
has led to the general realization that molecular structure is the central and most
fruitful theme of modern chemistry. His bibliography, appended at the end of this
volume, documents a remarkable intellectual journey. A journey that started with the
quantum mechanics of atomic energy levels, progressed into the quantum theory of the
nature of the chemical bond and the determination and interpretation of the structures
of small molecules in simple systems, then into the elucidation of the structures
of biological macromolecules. And finally, into the creation of the simple structural
theories for complex biological phenomena such as the molecular nature of certain
genetic diseases, memory, and anesthesia. His work has helped to transform and rationalize
chemistry, so that there is in effect today a continuum of understanding that extends
from the energy levels in atomic nuclei to the behavior of complex macromolecules
in biological systems.
Clip
Creator: Norman R. Davidson Associated: Linus Pauling Clip ID: 1968v.4-life
Full Work
Creator: Linus Pauling, Norman R. Davidson Associated: California Institute of Technology
