Dmitri Mendeleev

Periodic table of elements

Modern influential 93 sayings

Sayings by Dmitri Mendeleev

I have achieved an inner freedom.

Undated — Personal reflection on mental and intellectual liberation.
Philosophical Unverifiable

It is useful in this sense to make a clear distinction between the conception of an element as a separate homogenous substance and as a material but invisible part of a compound.

1869 — From the beginning of 'Principles of Chemistry', discussing the philosophical nature of an element.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Atomic weight belongs not to coal or diamond but carbon.

1869 — Announcing his discovery, distinguishing between a simple substance and the abstract element.
Philosophical Unverifiable

No law of nature, however general, has been established all at once; its recognition has always been preceded by many presentiments.

Undated — Describing the gradual and intuitive nature of scientific discovery.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Pleasures flit by -- they are only for yourself; work leaves a mark of long-lasting joy, work is for others.

Undated — Reflecting on the lasting value of work over fleeting personal pleasures.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Science which deals with the infinite is itself without bounds.

Undated — Highlighting the limitless scope of scientific inquiry.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The invisible world of chemical atoms is still waiting for the creator of chemical mechanics.

Undated, likely early or mid-career. — Expressing anticipation for deeper understanding of atomic interactions.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Refrain from illusions, insist on work, and not on words, patiently search divine and scientific truth.

Undated — Advice on the approach to truth-seeking in science and life.
Philosophical Unverifiable

By gradually studying matter, people finally take command of it.

Undated — Reflecting on humanity's increasing control over nature through scientific understanding.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Hypotheses help and guide scientific work — the search for truth — as the tiller's plough helps the cultivation of useful plants.

Undated — Explaining the essential role of hypotheses in scientific progress.
Philosophical Unverifiable

What has been sown for the field of science will grow up for the people's welfare.

Undated — Emphasizing the societal benefits and practical applications of scientific research.
Philosophical Unverifiable

In science we must all submit not to what seems to us attractive from one point of view or another, but to what represents an agreement between theory and experiment.

Undated — Stressing the importance of empirical evidence and the agreement between theory and experiment.
Philosophical Unverifiable

he reproached the modern scientific thought because it “got entangled in ions and electrons”.

Late 19th - early 20th century — His criticism of new scientific concepts (like ions and electrons) towards the end of his career.
Philosophical Unverifiable