N.D. Zelinsky

N.D. Zelinsky was born on February 6, 1861 in Tiraspol. After his having graduated from the University in Odessa in 1884 he stayed on at the University and in 1885 he was, according to the custom, sent abroad to have practice in research work. On his having returned, he was known to give lectures in general chemistry at the same University.

In 1893 on his coming to Moscow, D. Mendeleyev found out about his arrival and the scientists met. Zelinsky did not expect D. Mendeleev to help him but to his surprise D.Mendeleev insisted on his being appointed a professor at Moscow University in the chair of analytical and organic chemistry as D. Mendeleev relied on him to do the work well. That year marked the beginning of Zelinsky's various activities at Moscow University, where he worked to the very last days of his life.

For all his work at the University Zelinsky found time for social, administrative and pedagogical activities outside the University. In 1911 the scientific world was surprised at his having resigned and moved to Petersburg. But the scientist was to do this as it was difficult for a progressive scientist to bear a police regime set up at the University. He was appointed the director of a small laboratory where he continued the investigations he had begun in Moscow.

One of the works carried out at that period brought him nationwide recognition. Zelinsky was the first to prepare the activated charcoal and invent the Zelinsky universal charcoal gasmask. He was said to save many thousands of lives.

During that period of his work at Moskow University the first thing for him to do was to keep the door of his laboratories open for the gifted youth. In 1934 after Zelinsky’s having taken an active part in the organization of the Institute of Organic Chemistry he was appointed the head of the Institute, however, he continued to work at the University.

Several principal paths in organic chemistry having been founded and brilliantly developed, Zelinsky built a large school of his own and educated a real army of chemists. For his outstanding activities Zelinsky was awarded the highest orders. Zelinsky died on July 31, 1953 at the age of 92. In his book written shortly before his death he said: “I have lived, worked and created for my people”.

Notes to the text:

charcoal – древесный уголь

path – линия поведение или действия

gasmask – противогаз

set up – учреждать

stay on – продолжать, оставаться