Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
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On November 19 (November 8, old style), 1711, in the harsh Pomor village of Mishaninskaya near Arkhangelsk, a boy was born who was destined to revolutionize Russian science: Mikhailo was born into the family of a wealthy Pomor peasant, Vasily Dorofeevich Lomonosov, whose ancestors had spent generations on dangerous sea voyages in the White Sea.
Childhood and youth
The early years of the future beacon of intellect were darkened by the early death of his mother, the first literate teacher who taught him to read. When his father remarried, young Misha's life became a harsh trial: his stepmother was jealous of his thirst for knowledge, and reproaches were constantly heard in the house.
In December 1730, feeling an irresistible thirst for knowledge, a nineteen-year-old boy took a desperate step. One night, secretly from his family, he left his family home, taking only a little food and clutching two priceless books to his heart—Grammar and Arithmetic. Attaching himself to a convoy carrying frozen fish, he set out on foot for Moscow, a journey that took three long weeks.
His universities
In the ancient capital, fate smiled upon the stubborn Pomor: thanks to the patronage of Archbishop Feofan Prokopovich, he was able to enroll in the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy, concealing his peasant origins. His years of study were not easy: he was older than most of his fellow students, endured ridicule, and lived in extreme poverty. But incredible tenacity, a fierce determination to stand up for himself, and brilliant abilities helped him overcome all difficulties.
Just six years later, in 1736, Lomonosov, among twelve of the best students, was sent to Germany to study mining, chemistry, and metallurgy. At the University of Marburg, under the guidance of the renowned philosopher Christian Wolff, he discovered European science, and in Freiberg, he learned the practical intricacies of mining from the stern master Johann Henckel.
The path to oneself
His return to his homeland in 1741 presented a new challenge: at the Academy of Sciences, Mikhail Vasilievich encountered opposition from German scholars who were unwilling to acknowledge the upstart self-taught scientist. But his genius could not go unnoticed: first Empress Elizabeth I and then Catherine II, recognizing his achievements, offered him patronage. Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov, an enlightened nobleman who became a loyal ally and friend, played a special role in Lomonosov's life.
Rumor has it that Elizabeth Petrovna was particularly fond of the young scholar, practically calling him a brother. This gave rise to the legend that the tall and handsome Mikhailo was in fact the illegitimate son of Peter I, who traveled extensively through the Pomor lands while building the Russian navy. In reality, the great reformer's daughter was somewhat intimidated by the scholar's enormous stature and even said that he reminded her of her father in his fierceness and drive.
His University
In 1748, after much effort, the great figure of the Enlightenment established Russia's first chemical laboratory, where he launched research on an unprecedented scale. Amazing discoveries were born here: stained glass technology, mosaic smalt recipes, chemical analysis of minerals, "porcelains," "glasses," and even mosaics.
The crowning achievement of Lomonosov's efforts was the founding of Moscow University in 1755. Together with Shuvalov, he thought through every detail—from the curriculum to the admissions rules—insisting that the university's doors be open to talented youth of all social classes. "At the university, the student who has studied more is considered more respectable," he wrote, challenging class prejudices.
Mikhail Vasilyevich's scientific discoveries were ahead of their time: the law of conservation of matter, the wave theory of heat, the discovery of the atmosphere of Venus, and the fundamentals of physical chemistry. His 1755 "Russian Grammar" codified the Russian literary language, demonstrating its richness and expressiveness.
Lomonosov died on April 4, 1765, leaving behind not just scholarly works, but an entire country ripe for enlightenment. His life became living proof that true genius can overcome any obstacle—be it the harshness of the Pomor nature, the mistrust of academics, or class prejudices.
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