Chapter 1: The Birth of the Periodic Table

Dmitri Mendeleev's groundbreaking presentation of the periodic table on March 6, 1869, marked a pivotal moment in the world of science. He authored over 1,500 scientific papers, with the periodic table being the most significant, reshaping our perception of elemental organization.

In Mendeleev's era, scientists recognized 63 elements, noting similarities among various groups. He diligently worked on a method to systematically arrange these elements. "When organized by ascending atomic weight, certain properties reappear periodically," he famously stated.

Section 1.2: Predictive Success

Mendeleev's foresight was remarkable; just a few years after his table's introduction, new elements like gallium (discovered in 1875), scandium (1879), and germanium (1886) were found. Their properties aligned precisely with Mendeleev's predictions, confirming the validity of his theoretical framework.

Chapter 2: Mendeleev's Personal Life

Despite his scientific accolades, Mendeleev's personal life was marked by eccentricities. For instance, he preferred to have his hair cut only once a year, opting for an extreme buzz cut before summer. He often wore loose, comfortable clothing, reminiscent of his contemporary Leo Tolstoy.

The second video, "The story of Dmitri Mendeleev and the Periodic Table," delves into Mendeleev's life, exploring both his professional achievements and personal quirks.

Mendeleev was known for his late-night work habits, often retiring around four in the morning and rising at noon. Interestingly, he engaged in crafting suitcases in his spare time, using a unique adhesive he developed. His temperament was sometimes volatile, as he would argue over minor grievances, such as receiving hot tea at a restaurant.

In 1876, he became infatuated with 17-year-old Anna Popova, threatening self-harm if she rejected him. At 26 years her senior, he was already married with two children. In exchange for a divorce, he promised his wife an apartment and a summer house, ultimately marrying Anna shortly after.

Mendeleev's marital situation led to a peculiar and illicit arrangement, as he remained a bigamist until his first marriage was legally dissolved. His wedding to Anna involved a bribe to the officiating priest, resulting in his expulsion from the Church. When a petition regarding his situation reached the Tsar, it was humorously noted, "It is true that Mendeleev has two wives, but after all, I have only one Mendeleev!"

Chapter 3: Contributions Beyond Chemistry

Mendeleev's contributions extended beyond chemistry; he was instrumental in discovering coal and iron ore deposits in the Donbass region and co-founding Russia’s first oil refinery. He dedicated time to educating rural communities, traveling by train to share scientific insights on agriculture.

In 1887, he undertook a hot air balloon flight to observe a solar eclipse, despite never having flown before. His professional journey culminated in his role as the director of the Central Bureau of Weights and Measures, where he advocated for women's roles in science and introduced the metric system to Russia.

Mendeleev's influence even reached the realm of vodka, as he established that its standard strength should be 40 percent. The label "Russian Standard" signifies that vodka was produced according to the standards he developed in 1894.

Despite his extensive contributions, Mendeleev continued to work until just before his passing from influenza on February 2, 1907, six days shy of his 73rd birthday, with Anna reading Jules Verne's "Journey to the North Pole" to him in his final moments.