His theory reasoned that closed-shell molecules need oxygen to accept an electron, thereby creating the electronically desaturated state conducive to most life forms. In other words, oxygen turns proteins into radicals. Parts of Szent-Györgyi's theory have fallen by the wayside over the years, including the specific mechanisms of cancer development, but his thinking nevertheless is seminal to the study of free radicals and antioxidants, a field embracing cancer among many diseases, and occupying thousands of researchers.
Salisbury was no stranger to such then-unconventional scientific notions. In 1949, he became a founding director of Atlantic Research Corp., which grew into the world's leading solid rocket fuel manufacturer. He later helped set up Orbit Industries, a pioneer in electronic equipment for telephone systems. After reading about Szent-Györgyi's plight, Salisbury sent a donation. The heartfelt reply he received began, "I am deeply touched by your great generosity and compassion." Although there seems to ...
