Mendeleev Flies High

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Dmitrii Mendeleev is a famous name in chemistry.  He developed the periodic table that organizes all the chemical elements into families with similar properties.

Mendeleev was an ardent political reformer in Russia, and a keen meteorologist.  It was this latter interest that led him to a daring solo ascent in a giant hydrogen balloon to observe a solar eclipse on August 7th 1887.  Mendeleev set up the hydrogen balloon near his summer home since it was difficult to observe such an event in a populated area.

Mendeleev planned to combine observing the eclipse with another goal.  He wanted to test the possibility of using balloons for military purposes.  When his flight began on the morning of August 7th, a large crowd had assembled, and Mendeleev was greeted more as an adventurer and hero than as a scientist.  At 53 years of age this novice balloonist insisted on ascending alone.

The public adored what they saw as heroism for the greater good of science.  The newspapers wrote colourful stories about his bravery.  As Mendeleev vanished above the clouds, this first-time balloonist managed to orientate himself, make the desired observations of the two minute eclipse, and achieve an undamaged landing back on earth.

So next time you see a Periodic Table of the chemical elements, remember its originator, not only as chemical genius, but as a brave multi-talented high flyer.