In "A Short History of Nearly Everything," Bill Bryson recounts a remarkable journey undertaken by Mrs. Mendeleyev and her young son, Dmitri. They traveled an impressive distance of four thousand miles to reach St. Petersburg, a trip comparable in length to traveling from London to Equatorial Guinea. This journey highlights the commitment and determination of a mother aiming to provide her son with a better education.

Upon arriving in St. Petersburg, Mrs. Mendeleyev left Dmitri at the Institute of Pedagogy, marking a significant moment in his life. This decision would set the stage for his future contributions to science and education. Bryson's narrative emphasizes the lengths to which parents will go to support their children's aspirations, reflecting the broader theme of human endeavor in shaping success.