How many opinions equal one experiment? Let’s find out standing before the site of Russia’s first scientific Chemical Laboratory. This is not just any building. It’s the location where Mikhail Lomonosov fought to establish experimental chemistry in Russia.
The Chemical Laboratory’s story began in 1748. It emerged from Lomonosov’s relentless six-year struggle. He understood the vital role of experiments in science. Before this, Lomonosov lacked the means to conduct extensive chemical research. He famously said he valued one experiment over a thousand opinions. These opinions he said were born of imagination alone.
Lomonosov petitioned the Academy of Sciences repeatedly. He highlighted the necessity of a chemical laboratory. He argued it was essential for studying nature and expanding the arts. Despite his passion he was initially denied. He persisted. He even included a draft design of the laboratory in his third request. Finally Empress Elizaveta Petrovna signed a decree to build the Chemical Laboratory at the Academy of Sciences expense.
The laboratory was built on Vasilievsky Island. Its location was between the First and Second Lines. Academic architect Johann J. Schumacher oversaw the project. Lomonosov actively participated. The one-story brick building was conveniently located near Lomonosov’s home. This made it easy for the chemistry professor to conduct his experiments.
Inside the Chemical Laboratory had a large vaulted hall. This hall housed laboratory furnaces. It also included two smaller rooms. One room served as an office and the other as a storage space. Lomonosov worked here until 1757. He conducted over 4000 experiments. His work included silicate chemistry solution theory and metal roasting. He also taught the world’s first physical chemistry course. This course was for students of the academic university.
Sadly the original Chemical Laboratory building no longer exists. It fell into private hands in the late 18th century. It was converted into a residential building between 1811 and 1812. By World War II it was in terrible shape. Only the foundation and parts of the walls remained after the war.
In 1946 there was an effort to honor Lomonosov. The Commission on Organizing the Lomonosov Museum proposed building a model of the Chemical Laboratory. Academician I. V. Grebenshchikov supported this initiative. R. I. Kaplan-Ingel an architect and science historian developed the project.
Kaplan-Ingel consulted archival sources to accurately reconstruct the laboratory. He used Lomonosov’s design drawings and Schumacher’s project estimates. He also used general site plans. These resources helped determine the size of the laboratory the room proportions and the placement of doors and windows.
The reconstruction team created a complex model. It was 1/10 life-size. It featured 480 units of equipment. The model was made mainly of wood. Papier-mâché was used for tiles and pavement. Metal formed the shutters and brackets. The team paid special attention to creating an illusion of authenticity when painting the model. Internal plaster was covered with soot. The floors were dirtied and the furnace equipment appeared decrepit. The brickwork was colored to show age and wear.
Descriptions of glass chemical vessels were found in manuals on chemistry and pharmacy. These vessels included flasks vials retorts and jars. The labels on the vessels were written in an 18th-century font. The font matched the symbols Lomonosov used himself.
Recreating the kilns and furnaces was especially challenging. Information about the furnaces came from Lomonosov’s writings. Drawings by D. I. Vinogradov were used to model the enamel kiln. The laboratory also had a large set of scales and microscopes. Models of these were created as well.
Displayed for the bicentennial anniversary of the first scientific chemical laboratory in Russia the model became a key exhibit. Replicas were made for museums in Moscow and Kholmogory. The model even appeared at the State Hermitage Museum. Today it stands in the Lomonosov Museum. It holds a place of honor among exhibits dedicated to the history of Russian science.
So next time you hear someone say they have a thousand opinions remember Lomonosov. Remember the Chemical Laboratory. Remember the value of a single experiment.