Mendeleev

"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything"

~ George Bernard Shaw

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Yes, as you see from the title, Nicholas' goal was to meet one of the most famous chemists of our time, the man who created the Mendeleev table, Dmitri Mendeleev himself.

It was a gray wintry morning in St. Petersburg.

By December 1892, it was enveloped in the depths of winter, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Combined with the elegant and imperial scenery of St. Petersburg, the view was breathtaking.

Even now, in modern times, the city and its historical sites look majestic. Let alone back then, when the damn communists hadn't destroyed and demolished many of the imperal buildings.

The streets were frozen so sleighs replaced carriages as the primary mode of transportation by this time, their bells adding a festive sound to the air.

Street vendors sold hot bevarages and roasted chestnuts to passersby seeking warmth.

The city's residents, dressed in heavy furs, went about their daily routines, contributing to the vibrant urban life even at around -20 degrees Celsius which Nicholas really didn't expect.

The people were so used to this cold and Nicholas, a man with a completely other mentality, who lived in a Mediterranean climate in his past life, couldn't understand.

This festive season brought another charm to Saint Petersburg. Decorations adorned shop windows and public squares featured Christmas trees and holiday markets. The aroma of Russian pastries filled the air, creating a warm atmosphere amidst the winter chill.

The architectural grandesque of this city never failed to amaze Nicholas...

Just as he was thinking of all this, the sleigh stopped on its tracks. Nicholas had arrived.

The Chamber was located in the heart of the city. Nicholas had chosen to enter through the back entrance, to keep it as low-key as possible.

As soon as he got off the carriage, he laid his eyes on the building.

It was simple, yet elegant two-story building. Its simplicity best described its scientific background which as every building in St. Petersburg, managed to impress our Nicholas.

As soon as he got in, Nicholas was welcomed by a junior assistant, who at first didn't know him.

Well, can't fault the poor young guy, since Nicholas' attire was as low-key as his visit. The assistant could swear he had seen Nicholas somewhere. He also saw the butler close to him who looked like a noble's butler and kept staring at Nicholas' quite unique moustache and beard until he finally realized who was actually in front of him and started profusely sweating.

"Y-your Highness, please forgive me, I-I didn't recognize you at first"

Nicholas laughed and responded by putting his hand on the poor guy's shoulder "Do not worry, please take me to meet your Scientific Keeper (Director)"

"O-of course, Your Highness" the assistant quickly responded and indicated the way.

Mendeleev's office was located on the second floor so Nicholas also enjoyed a mini-tour of the building while on the way.

As he walks through the corridors lined with scientific equipment and experiments in progress, Nicholas notices an atmosphere of intense concentration, which was ruined by his presence who caused a ripple of whispers and curious glances.

...

"We're here, your Highness." Said the assistant.

"Thank you for accompanying me. Keep up the hard work" Nicholas smiled at him.

The assistant was so excited at the encouraging words of the Crown Prince. This Crown Prince felt like the real deal. He began to have a sense of anticipation and swore he would work hard so he could one day help his future Tsar and Russia.

...

Nicholas walked in the office and saw Mendeleev anxiously awaiting for his entrance.

His study was filled with a stack of papers, scientific models & apparatus, clearly testifying of Mendeleev's nature.

The famed scientist immediately rose to his feet to greet the Tsarevich of the Russian Empire.

Dmitri Mendeleev was always distinguished by his striking appearance. He had a full, flowing beard and long hair. Which gave him a commanding presence. His height of 186cm certainly helped, with him towering over Nicholas.

His deep-set eyes reflected his intellect and curiosity about the world and the laws of nature...

He was wearing a formal suit and tie, as always, consistent with the academic fashion of this time.

But Nicholas also had a heavy pressure and eyes full of determination, which gave away a sense of danger to Mendeleev who was scrutinizing him. Then he quickly recomposed himself, remembering Nicholas was here to visit him.

"Your Highness" he bowed. His manners direct. His speech passionate but controlled. "Welcome to our humble Chamber. I feel honored by your visit."

"Dont bow before me, Sir Mendeleev. If anything, I should be the one honored to meet you. You have brought Russia to the forefront of scientific newspapers all around Europe once again after so much time. For that, I am very greatful"

"I dont deserve such words, Your Highness. But I feel graced to know Your Highness appreciates the work of science that much"

"I believe science is the future of a nation, Mr. Mendeleev. That's exactly why I am so interested in you and what you can do. Why don't you begin by telling me the contributions of your Chamber?" Said Nicholas while sitting down in the table filled with pastries.

"I believe our work to be pivotal in every possible field of application. It consists of slowly intergating the measurements and weights of the whole Russian Empire. It is not easy to satisfy all but especially the military and industry. A universalization of measures of gauges, arms, machines, parts of machines will accelerate the rise of our industry and techonology by many years. That's what we do in this humble building of ours, Your Highness." Mendeleev passionately responded.

Nicholas then gave a few congratulatory and encouraging words. He and Mendeleev continued talking about the Chamber of Weights and Measures for a while until Nicholas deliberately slightly deviated from the Chamber topic and made his way into a broader and more general topic.

Their conservation deepened as Mendeleev began to share his thoughts on Russia's need for modernization, he highlighted the need for development of the Industrial Chemistry, talking about new chemical processes and materials, such as synthetic dyes and fertilizers, which would boost Russia's agricultural and industrial output.

They also talked about the advancements in Metallurgy with the Bessemer process as spearhead.

Nicholas asked him what he thought of electricity as a power source and its applications.

Mendeleev responded, and I quote "Electricity is the future, Your Highness"

When he heard that, Nicholas smiled and nodded at him. He was further reassured that Mendeleev was the right man for what he wanted to do.

He was reassured Mendeleev would not disappoint him and would be his most steadfast ally in the field of sciences.