Dmitri Mendeleev

Dmitri Mendeleev was a Russian chemist who created the periodic table. He was born in Siberia, Russia, in 1834. His table organized all known elements by their properties. Scientists still use his table today.

Early Life

Mendeleev was the youngest of about 14 children. His mother traveled a long way to get him into a good school. He studied chemistry in St. Petersburg, Russia. He became a professor and wrote a famous chemistry textbook.

Big Discoveries

Mendeleev arranged the elements by their atomic weight and properties. He left gaps in his table for elements that had not been found yet. Scientists later discovered those elements, proving he was right. His periodic table is one of the most important tools in science.

Fun Facts

• Mendeleev said the idea for the periodic table came to him in a dream.
• He predicted the properties of three undiscovered elements, and he was correct.
• Mendeleev was known for his very long hair and beard, which he only trimmed once a year.

Did You Know?

Element 101 on the periodic table is called mendelevium. It was named after Mendeleev to honor his amazing contribution to chemistry.