Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleyev 1834 - 1907

Born in Verkhnie Aremzyani, a mountainous Siberian town, in 1834, Mendeleev's name would become synonymous with the periodic table. Although he was not the first to classify the elements in a periodic system, he would receive the greatest credit. Mendeleev spent most of his life in St Petersburg, and had a varied career: university professor of chemistry, balloonist, and civil servant, which included being a cheese and vodka inspector.