Portrayal of D. I. Mendeleev and His Eponyms in Soviet and Russian Chemistry Textbooks (1924–2024)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: An assessment and analysis of the historical and current representation of Mendeleev and his eponyms in chemistry textbooks is presented. 8 Soviet (1924–1991) and 3 modern Russian chemistry textbooks (1991–2022) were selected and analyzed by method of content analysis with purposeful sampling and certain criteria. The periods in the presentation of Mendeleev and his eponyms were identified: silence (1924–1940), growth and bloom (1940–1985), recession (1985–2022). It aligns with previously revealed pattern in medical education. Underestimation of Mendeleev's achievements since Russian Empire and the Soviet government ‘s decision to glorify domestic scientists are given as reasons for low popularity of Mendeleev and his eponyms in textbooks of the 1920s and their flourishing in textbooks of 1940–1985, respectively. The disappearance of eponyms entails a loss of historical context, of memorization aids, decreased critical thinking, scientific and cultural literacy, humanism in education, and disruption of continuity.
Author: U. SLABIN
Institution: University of Oregon
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411217652