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Mendeleev, the man and his matrix: Dmitri Mendeleev, aspects of his life and work: was he a somewhat fortunate man?

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Abstract

This article traces the life of Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev from childhood in Siberia, through education and training to become the first formulator of the Periodic Table, the logo of chemistry. His unique contribution is described and analysed; what factors helped him be the first formulator? What did he do after making his most famous discovery? In addition the article peeps into his personal life, his dealings with his family and the authorities. Finally we look at honours he received in later life.

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Notes

  1. Some family details from Dmitriev (2007) and from gravestones in Volkova cemetery.

  2. OS is Old Style which refers to the Julian calendar which was used in Russia until about 1920. In the nineteenth century 12 days are added to convert to the Gregorian, or New Style, calendar then used in Western Europe.

  3. For more detail of university career read Gordin (2004).

  4. Laing (1995).

  5. A fuller list of publications written/edited (1861–1868) is found in Kaji (2004).

  6. This is part of a typical Mendeleev huge footnote, 85% of the page!

  7. Mendeleev, D.I.: Examples. System (Russian sistema) jotting of 17.2.1869, law (1880 in Chemical News) 41, 1057, law, Faraday lecture J. C. S. 55, 634 (1889).

  8. Scerri (2007, ch 5) Prediction and accommodation: the acceptance of Mendeleev’s periodic system.

  9. It is possible that although overtly choosing a name to link the element with France (Roman Gallia) he had also linked it to his own first name (gallus = cock).

  10. Studying a photo of the balloon before its launch I conclude it was hydrogen filled rather than hot air which tallies with ‘a smell of gas’, impure hydrogen mentioned in a private communication by Yuri Pavlenko.

  11. Mendeleev the unsung hero? (Woods 1999).

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  1. Monmouth School, 3 Peterborough Avenue, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EB, UK

    Gordon T. Woods

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  1. Gordon T. Woods
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Correspondence to Gordon T. Woods.

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Woods, G.T. Mendeleev, the man and his matrix: Dmitri Mendeleev, aspects of his life and work: was he a somewhat fortunate man?. Found Chem 12, 171–186 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10698-010-9088-3

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