Mendeleyev's periodic table of elements is often associated with creative inspirations, one of which is the card game solitaire. This connection highlights the innovative thinking behind Mendeleyev’s work, as he approached science with a playful yet structured mindset. By applying principles akin to a game, he was able to organize chemical elements in a logical manner, revealing the relationships between them.

In "A Short History of Nearly Everything," Bill Bryson illustrates how Mendeleyev's table revolutionized science. Rather than merely cataloging elements, it provided a framework for understanding their properties and interactions, significantly advancing the field of chemistry. Mendeleyev's unique inspiration demonstrates the importance of creativity in scientific discovery.