Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov, the first significant Russian scientist-naturalist, is a vivid example of a "universal man." He was an encyclopedist, physicist, and chemist who first provided a definition of physical chemistry close to the modern one and developed an extensive research program in this field. His molecular-kinetic theory of heat largely anticipated modern concepts of the structure of matter and many fundamental laws, including one of the principles of thermodynamics.

Lomonosov is considered the founder of scientific navigation and physical chemistry, as well as laying the foundations of glass science. In addition, he is recognized as an astronomer, instrument maker, geographer, metallurgist, geologist, poet, artist, philologist, genealogist, historiographer, economist, and educator.

He was awarded the rank of state councilor, the title of professor of chemistry, a full member of the St. Petersburg Imperial Academy of Sciences, and an honorary member of the Royal Swedish and Bologna Academies of Sciences.

Mikhail Lomonosov was born on November 8 (19), 1711, in the village of Mishaninskaya in the Arkhangelsk province to a fisherman’s family. From a young age, he went to sea with his father, but this did not prevent him from learning to read and write. Learning of his father's intention to marry him off, at the age of 19, he decided to flee to Moscow.

In pursuit of knowledge, in 1731, he walked to Moscow and enrolled in the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy. Thanks to his talent and perseverance, he completed a 12-year course of study in 5 years.

Among the best students, in 1736, he went to study in Germany, where he studied technical and natural sciences, as well as foreign languages and literature. He began to collect his library, which included both ancient authors and contemporaries.

Mikhail Lomonosov's biography was quite eventful for his time. He studied numerous sciences, conducted experiments, and gave lectures. Even with such a busy schedule, he found time to compose poetry. In 1742, he was appointed adjunct of physics at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, and three years later, he became a professor of chemistry.

In 1754, he developed a project for Moscow University, later named Lomonosov University in his honor. Additionally, his biography is notable for the discovery of the law of conservation of matter, writing works on the theory of color, and creating numerous optical devices.

Lomonosov also made a significant contribution to history. He created the "Brief Russian Chronicle with Genealogy," where he described key events in Russian history from 862 to 1725. This publication facilitated work with historical documents and became popular among readers.

Mikhail Lomonosov passed away at the age of 54. The great scientist died of pneumonia on April 4 (15), 1765, and was buried at the Lazarevskoye Cemetery in St. Petersburg.