Mendeleev's Periodic System of Elements and Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts

The reception of the periodic system of elements in European countries has its specificity and differences. This paper will explore the first recognition of the periodic system of elements in Croatia after its publication (1869). Croatia was then a part of the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia within Austria-Hungary. Chronologically, Croatian scientific community firstly recognized Mendeleev's work through Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts in 1882, electing him as its honorary member. The proposal for Mendeleev's election lists his published works but emphasizes that the discovery of the periodic system of elements (lex Mendeleev) alone would be enough to elect him as an honorary member. Thus, the Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts became the first European science academy to honor Mendeleev. Circumstances regarding this election will be presented in the paper. Until the University in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, was restored (1874), chemistry in Croatia was only thought at a lower level, as a part of real-high schools curriculum. The discovery of the periodic system of elements and the following discoveries that lead to its confirmation occurs simultaneously with the development of the chemistry curriculum at Zagreb University. The first University professors were also the members of Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts that elected Mendeleev as its honorary member. The connection between the role of the Academy of Sciences and Arts and the implementation of the periodic system in the educational process in Croatia will also be explored in the paper.