The poetry of the universe, the periodic table, and the scientific progress: a review of new studies on the periodic table of the elements

Abstract In 1869, two distinguished scientists, Dimitri Mendeleev and Lothar Meyer, discovered a certain periodicity among the chemical characteristics of then known elements. Both developed first versions periodic table, independently. wake 150th anniversary, UNESCO proclaimed 2019 “International Year Periodic Table Chemical Elements”. Two lucid detailed studies on table—accompanied by smaller occasion anniversary—have been published, recently, one them analysing scientific history, contributing to (philosophical) theory science (Eric Scerri), other structures, patterns, irregularities table (Geoff Rayner-Canham). are profound vivid examples how progress works. They illustrate that even in hard sciences—mirroring Merton’s concept middle range theory—the required degree exactness can remain an intermediate level, as imperfection allows interpretations which could not (yet) be reached pure mathematics logic. these brilliant provide valuable material, especially for social science, better understand ideas develop, power visualization helps shape ideas, contingency is absorbed process.