A Pauling Chronology By Dr. Robert J. Paradowski [ pre-1920 | 1920s | 1930s | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s ] Pre-1920 1901 • Linus Carl Pauling born in Portland, on February 28 to Herman and Belle Pauling. 1905 • The Paulings move to the farming town of Condon, Oregon, where Herman opens a pharmacy. William P. Murphy, who will win the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1934, also lives in Condon at this time. 1910 • On May 12, Herman Pauling writes a letter to the Portland Oregonian about his nine year old son who is "a great reader" and deeply interested in ancient history and the natural sciences. He asks readers of the newspaper to advise him about the proper works to procure for his child who has "prematurely developed inclinations." • On June 11, Herman Pauling suddenly dies of a perforated stomach ulcer with attendant peritonitis. Shortly thereafter the Paulings move back to Portland. 1916 • First semester of chemistry at Washington High School. Due to a scheduling conflict, Pauling is unable to complete the school's American History requirement. He never graduates from high school. 1917 • Begins school at Oregon Agricultural College, October. 6, in Corvallis, OR. 1919 • OAC chemistry department offers Pauling, a sophomore, a full-time position as assistant instructor in quantitative analysis. Back to Chronology Index