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Arthur Kornberg (1918-2007) was an American biochemist who made outstanding contributions to molecular biology through his research on enzymes. He was the first to isolate DNA polymerase, the enzyme that assembles DNA from its components, and the first to synthesize DNA in a test tube, which earned him a Nobel Prize in 1959. He later became the first to replicate an infective virus DNA in vitro. Kornberg was also the first chairman of the Department of Biochemistry at the Stanford University School of Medicine, which under his guidance became a preeminent center for DNA research, including recombinant DNA research.
The Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives is the repository for the Arthur Kornberg Papers, which range from 1938 to 1987. The collection contains correspondence, published articles, lectures, laboratory notebooks, and research notes.
As part of its Profiles in Science project, the National Library of Medicine has collaborated with Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives to digitize and make available over the World Wide Web a selection of the Arthur Kornberg Papers for use by educators and researchers. This site provides access to the portions of the Arthur Kornberg Papers of Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives that have been selected for digitization. Individuals interested in conducting research in the Arthur Kornberg Papers are invited to contact Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives.
This online Exhibit is designed to introduce you to the various phases of Kornberg's scientific career and professional life. It is divided into sections that focus on Kornberg's life and major scientific contributions. We suggest that new visitors begin with this exhibit, which includes a small selection of documents and visuals, organized within these sections. Each section begins with a "Background Narrative," which leads to "Documents" and "Visuals."
Visitors may access additional materials through Search on the navigation bar. They may also view the materials alphabetically or chronologically by choosing Browse on the navigation bar. Documents and visuals in these lists are arranged by format and then either alphabetically by title or chronologically.