Mendel
Gregor Mendel: The Father of Genetics
Mendel’s 200th birthday
20 July 1822 – 6 January 1884
G.J. Mendel was (and still is) one of the greatest Czech scientist.
Gregor Mendel was born in the little village of Hynčice, although it wasn’t Hynčice at the time. Born into a German-speaking family in Silesia, Mendel grew up to become one of the most important scientists of the last two centuries. Mendel is the brains behind the modern science of genetics, and it was in Brno that his great discovery was made. It took until long after his death for recognition to come, but Mendel’s place in history is assured.
It was in Brno that he began studying the cross-breeding of peas, formulating his three rules of inheritance along the way, those being hereditary, segregation and independent assortment. The Mendel Museum in Brno is undoubtedly the best way to learn about Gregor Mendel and his incredible discoveries. The museum is located a stone’s throw from where the great man lived and worked.
But there was more to Mendel’s life in Brno than the genetics of peas. In 1843 he joined the Augustinian Abbey of St. Thomas, continuing the development of his faith and becoming abbot in 1867. This promotion put an end to his research, and began a frustrating final decade spent arguing with the authorities over taxes.
Gregor Mendel is one of the most importance names in modern science around the world, not just in Brno. Be sure to check out his museum, his monastery, and the Mendelianum while in town.