The Office and Laboratory of Dmitri Mendeleev University of St

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: dakatz45@msn.com
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