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 made available online, in collaboration with the Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives, a digitized selection of the Arthur Kornberg Papers. This website provides access to the portions of the Arthur Kornberg Papers that are now publicly available. Individuals interested in conducting research using the full collection of Arthur Kornberg Papers should contact the Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives.

This Profile is designed to introduce you to the various phases of Kornberg's scientific career and professional life. Narrative sections available from the navigation bar under "The Story" focus on Kornberg's life and major scientific contributions.

Researchers can search the digitized items using the Search box or browse all Documents and Visuals in the collection by selecting "Collection Items" from the navigation bar.