Dmitri Mendeleev

Periodic table of elements

Modern influential 93 sayings

Sayings by Dmitri Mendeleev

The structure of the elements is a matter of the internal structure of their atoms.

Early 20th century — Anticipating the modern atomic model
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The properties of the elements are a periodic function of their atomic weights.

1869 — His fundamental law of periodicity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Without knowledge, without work, there is no hope for humanity.

Undated — On the importance of education and effort
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My main interest is to help my country, Russia, develop its industrial capacity.

Late 19th century — Stating his patriotic motivations for scientific and industrial work
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The spirit of scientific inquiry must be cultivated in all children.

Undated — Advocating for science education
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One day, all elements will be discovered and their properties understood.

Undated — Expressing optimism for future scientific progress
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I was very much interested in spiritualism, but I found no scientific basis for it.

1870s — His engagement with and subsequent rejection of spiritualism
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The whole essence of science is to make predictions.

Undated — On the predictive power of scientific theories
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been called a charlatan, a madman, and a dreamer, but I have always pursued the truth.

Undated — Defending his scientific work against critics
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The periodic law is now so firmly established that no one can gainsay its fundamental truth.

1905 — Expressing confidence in his discovery
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest good is the knowledge of the truth.

Undated — Philosophical statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There will be new elements discovered, and they will fit into the empty spaces in my table.

1869 — His prediction of undiscovered elements
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The progress of science is a series of corrections.

Undated — On the iterative nature of scientific advancement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been convinced that the universe is governed by laws that are discoverable through observation and experiment.

Undated — Statement of scientific conviction
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is easier to make a scientific discovery than to explain it to the common man.

Undated — On the challenges of scientific communication
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I consider it my duty to be useful to my country.

Undated — Emphasizing his patriotic duty
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The periodic law is one of the most important generalizations in chemistry.

1890s — Reflecting on the significance of his work
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To tell the truth, I never thought of myself as a genius; I just worked hard.

Undated, often attributed — Modest reflection on his achievements
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My table will serve as an instrument for discovering new facts and for correcting old ones.

1869 — Forecasting the utility of the periodic table
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The universe is a vast chemical laboratory.

Undated — Metaphorical description of the cosmos
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable