A Thing of Beauty: Maria Mendeleev’s Impact on the Periodic Table of the Elements

Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev put together the periodic table of the elements more than 150 years ago. This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible sacrifice of his mother, Maria Kornilieva Mendeleev. Maria recognized Dmitri’s remarkable abilities and potential and traveled from Siberia to Moscow and eventually Saint Petersburg so he could attend college.

For BYU chemistry professor Steven G. Wood, the periodic table of the elements is truly a thing of beauty, even sublime; its recognizable shape and structure displays patterns and the underlying order of the elements. Adding to its beauty is the inspiring story of a mother’s love, recognition of her son’s abilities, and sacrifice. Maria Mendeleev's example also reminds us of the human dimension behind the creation of every thing of beauty. Professor Wood believes we all have an obligation to see potential in others and to work eagerly to assist in fulfilling that vision.

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[mikefixac]

I can't even begin to fathom the hardship this woman and her children endured. Reminds me of the book "Endurance, Shackleton's Incredible Voyage" combined with a mother's love for her son and the power of knowledge. What gets me is that we now know what is an element, that it's composed of a nucleus with protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons, and we pretty much take this for granted.

[jeffreyskidmore]

Dr. Wood was the best chemistry professor I had! A great man to boot!

[bvega]

What a wonderful story of a mother's love and her son's exercised gift that we still benefit from today. Moreover, I'd like to add that Dr. Wood was such a great teacher and inspired a love for chemistry in me!

[cynthiacollier]

I love this series and this episode. Thank you!!

[bradhUtah]

This is a wonderful and inspirational story. Thank you for sharing it.