17 September 2013
Scientific Community of KFU Revered Alexander Butlerov's Memory

The great scientists – Kazan University chemist, Alexander Butlerov, was born 185 years ago. In honour of this memorable event KFU teachers and students solemnly laid flowers to his monument.

The ceremony has become possible thanks to initiative of the Museum of History of Kazan University which was established in 1979. “Since that time we annually come here,” said the Director of the Museum, Ms. Stella Pisareva.

Reference information.  Alexander Butlerov was born on September 15, 1828 in Chistopol. He will be best remembered by descendants for being not only a Russian chemist, developer of the theory of chemical structure of organic matters, forefather of “Butlerov’s school” of Russian chemists, rector of Kazan Imperial University through 1860‑1863, but also a scientists-beekeeper, lepidopterist, public figure.

Before the event the Director of A. M. Butlerov Institute of Chemistry, Mr. Vladimir Galkin, delivered an oration. According to Mr. Galkin, the theory of chemical structure of organic matters developed by Alexander Mikhaylovich was “the Bible of the modern organic chemistry”. And the International Organic Chemistry Congress devoted to 150th anniversary of the theory development, held in Kazan University in 2011, is a confirmation of this fact. “Over five hundred leading scientists of the global chemical community from fifty countries of the world came to us at that time,” reminded the speaker.

The flowers were laid to the monument with the word of gratitude. And what words those were! “He is our guardian angel,” reverently uttered Mr. Galkin. The students were overflown with emotions, as well. “It would have been a shame if we hadn’t remembered this outstanding person!” said a third-year student of A. M. Butlerov Institute of Chemistry, Ms. Gulnaz Khikmatova.

Reference information. Butlerov’s great merit is organising of the first Russian school of chemists. Event during his lifetime Butlerov’s followers from Kazan University, such as V. V. Markovnikov, A. N. Popov, A. M. Zaytsev took offices of professors in universities. At different times E. E. Vagner, D. P. Konovalov, F. M. Flavitskiy, A. I. Bazarov, A. A. Krakau, A. P. Eltekov and other prominent Russian chemists worked in Butlerov’s laboratory as trainees. Butlerov’s characteristic feature as a manager was his manner to teach by his personal example: students had always had a chance to watch the subjects and methods of their professor’s work.



Source of information: Natalya Doroshkevich, photo by Alexandra Kireeva, Press-Centre
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