Gregor Mendel was a monk with a scientist's patience. In the monastery garden at Brno he grew and crossed around 28,000 pea plants over about eight years, counting how features like colour and shape passed from parent to offspring. In 1866 he published the rules of inheritance. Almost nobody noticed. Mendel died in 1884, and it was 1900 before scientists rediscovered his work and realised he had founded genetics. He was right all along, he just got there 34 years early.
Gregor Mendel
Father of Genetics
EXTRA-ORDINARY TRAIT
FOCUS
JFDI PILLAR
F — FOCUS
COUNTRY & REGION
Austria (Europe)
LIFESPAN
1822 – 1884
GENDER
Man
EDITION
No.005
✦ DEFINING MOMENT
Kneeling among pea plants in the monastery garden at Brno, brushing pollen from flower to flower.
✦ ARCHIVAL DOSSIER
The Story
✦ VERIFIED QUOTE
“My scientific studies have afforded me great gratification; and I am convinced that it will not be long before the whole world acknowledges the results of my work.”
✦ DID YOU KNOW?
He failed his exam to become a qualified teacher, twice.
✦ YOUR TURN
What are you working on that the world hasn't caught up with yet?
COLLECTIBLE EDITIONS
Wear this Mind
Official wearable and archival editions are currently in preparation. Register for dispatch announcements.
REGISTER FOR DISPATCH UPDATES →