Nikolai Semenovich Kurnakov (to the 150th Anniversary of His Birthday)

The milestones of the life and activity of the outstanding Russian inorganic chemist and metallurgist are outlined; three spheres of his activity are considered: scientific research, educational activity, and science organization. The attention is focused on the elaboration and development of the physicochemical analysis technique, works dealing with natural salt deposits and water-salt systems. N.S. Kurnakov’s role in the development of the coordination chemistry is noted. N.S. Kurnakov’s contribution to education made in Petersburg (Petrograd, Leningrad) and M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University is demonstrated. N.S. Kurnakov’s outstanding role in the foundation of new scientific institutions, his science organizational activity in the Academy of sciences and in the foundation of Russian chemical and metallurgical industries is emphasized.