Unique monument-mosaic panel «D. I. Mendeleev periodic table of elements», opened on the initiative of metrologists

Abstract

This article is timed to coincide with the end of the celebration of the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements, declared by the UN and UNESCO in connection with the 150th anniversary of the discovery by D. 1. Mendeleev of the Periodic Law of Chemical Elements. The article highlights metrological activity of the great Russian scientist and encyclopedist and tells about how in the scientific metrological centre, he created- the Main Chamber of Weights and Measures, now D. 1. Mendeleev VNllM (VNllM), the memory of the life and activities of the first administrator of the Main Chamber of Weights and Measures Weights has been preserved for more than a hundred years. Based on research, carried out in the archives of St. Petersburg and the funds of Metrological Museum, the article for the first time details the history of the formation of the Mendeleev memorial complex on the territory of VNIIM. The contribution of the institute metrologists to the creation of such famous sights of St. Petersburg as the monument to D. 1. Mendeleev (the work of the sculptor 1. Ya. Ginzburg, 1932) and the mosaic panel « D. 1. Mendeleev Periodic system of elements «(1935) on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the scientist is shown. All peripetias, related to the installation of the monument table are described: selection of options for the arrangement of elements, decoration, manufacturer and manufacturing techniques, coordination with various organizations, solving financing issues.