The Study and Laboratory of Dmitri Mendeleev
St. Petersburg State University
St. Petersburg, Russia
David A. Katz
Chemist, Educator, Expert Demonstrator, Science Communicator, and Consultant
133 N. Desert Stream Dr. * Tucson, AZ 85745‐2277 * USA
voice/fax: (520) 624‐2207 * email: [email protected]
Mendeleev’s study
Preserved as it was during Mendeleev’s lifetime
Mendeleev’s Laboratory Instruments
• Although his laboratory instruments are not all identifiable they appear to be constructed for the study of gases. • In late 1871, Mendeleev had turned his attention to studying of behavior of permanent gases at low pressure. • He hoped to find the universal ether which would have been responsible both for electrical and magnetic interactions and for chemical affinity. • Mendeleev believed that ether is an extraordinarily thin gas that should occupy the place above hydrogen in his Periodic Table. • Mendeleev had a special balance constructed capable of measuring masses of gases to 1/15 mg. • Although he never discovered the ether, he discovered a number of deviations of gases from the Boyle’s Law. Pictures and Paintings
Mendeleev would have his distinguished visitors sign his tablecloth