A LIFE’S WORK
The monk who turned to pea plants
1822
On 20 July, Mendel was born as Johann Mendel in the rural village of Heinzendorf.
1833
Mendel left home to go to grammar school at the age of 11.
1840
Mendel began a two-year course in philosophy.
1843
Mendel became a monk at St Thomas’ Abbey in Brno, changing his name to Gregor.
1849
Mendel became a substitute teacher in Znojmo.
1850
Mendel was sent to the University of Vienna to prepare for his second teaching exam.
1854
Mendel failed to become a teacher, but began his studies of pea plants under permission of Abbot Cyril Napp.
1865
Mendel began his meteorology studies at the Austrian Meteorological Society.
1868
The genetic discoveries Mendel made were rejected and he became the abbot of the monastery.
1884
Mendel died on 6 January in Brno. His findings were finally given recognition in the 20th century.