Dmitrii Ivanovich Mendeleev (1834-1907): The Periodic Table and Beyond

About the authors:

Vladimir D. Shiltsev, Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.), Foreign Corresponding Member of Academy of Sciences, Institute of Bologna (Bologna, Italy); vladimir.shiltsev@gmail.com; ORCID: 0000-0003-3282-4701

Elizaveta V. Shiltseva, University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL, USA); eshilt2@illinois.edu

Abstract:

The periodic law of chemical elements is one of the most significant achievements in science. It was discovered by Dmitrii Mendeleev in 1869, and 2019, the year of its 150^th anniversary, was proclaimed the “International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019)” by the United Nations General Assembly and UNESCO. In this article we briefly outline Mendeleev’s path to the discovery and present a broader perspective of his views and research, including less known accomplishments such as theory and investigations of solutions, studies of gases, and the discovery of supercritical fluids. We also find very instructive some “delusions of genius”, his path to fame, and consider several myths, broadly circulating in media and widely accepted by the public.

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