Dmitri Mendeleev

Periodic table of elements

Modern influential 93 sayings

Sayings by Dmitri Mendeleev

It is the duty of the chemist to teach the world how to use the elements wisely.

Undated — On the ethical responsibility of chemists
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The chemical elements are not created, but are transformed.

Undated — Reflecting on the conservation of matter and elemental change
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The most important thing for a scientist is to be honest with himself and with others.

Undated — On scientific integrity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I believe in the power of observation and experiment above all else.

Undated — Emphasizing empiricism
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The periodic law is the most important generalization in chemistry, and it has no equal in any other branch of science.

Undated, possibly late 19th century — Bold statement on the significance of his discovery
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The knowledge of the properties of the elements is the foundation of all chemistry.

Undated — On the fundamental nature of elemental understanding
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been a practical man, and my science is for the benefit of mankind.

Undated — Stating his pragmatic and humanitarian motivations
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The periodic law will not be overthrown, but only further developed.

1905 — Expressing confidence in the enduring nature of his law
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I saw in a dream a table where all the elements fell into place as required.

1869 — Describing his dream that inspired the periodic table
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There is nothing in this world that I fear to say.

1871 — Asserting his boldness in scientific discourse
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The elements, if arranged according to their atomic weights, exhibit an apparent periodicity of properties.

1869 — First formal statement of the periodic law
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have no need of proof; the laws of nature, unlike the laws of grammar, admit of no exception.

1871 — Defending his periodic table
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

To protect the Russian borders from enemies, I would surround the whole country with a continuous wall of vodka.

1893 — Satirical remark about Russian defense
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A well-made theory is like a good overcoat; Eloquent words are like a beautiful tie.

1887 — Analogy about scientific theory
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The capital fact to note is that petroleum was born in the depths of the earth, and it is only there that we must seek its origin.

1877 — Theory on petroleum formation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There exists everywhere a medium in things, determined by equilibrium.

1869 — Philosophical reflection on balance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It was clear that in the United States there was a development not of the best, but of the middle and worst sides of European civilization; the notorious general voting, the tendency to politics... all the same as in Europe. A new dawn is not to be seen on this side of the ocean.

1906 — Observations during his visit to the United States, critique of American society and politics, publi…
Controversial Unverifiable

The most all penetrating spirit before which will open the possibility of tilting not tables, but planets, is the spirit of free human inquiry. Believe only in that.

c. 1875 — A statement made in direct opposition to the widespread belief and practice of spiritualism in the 1…
Controversial Confirmed

No one nor anything can silence me.

Undetermined, but reflects his personality throughout his career. — A general statement reflecting his resolute and independent character, widely attributed to him.
Controversial Unverifiable

Doctor, you have science, I have faith.

1907 — His reported last words to his physician.
Controversial Unverifiable