What are the characteristics that set Mendeleev apart from other scientists studying periodicity at the same time?

Innovative Approach: Unlike his contemporaries, Mendeleev took a more innovative approach to the study of elements. He arranged elements based on their atomic weight and noticed a pattern, which led to the creation of the Periodic Table.

Prediction of New Elements: Mendeleev's Periodic Table had gaps which he predicted would be filled by elements yet to be discovered. He even predicted the properties of these undiscovered elements. This was a unique characteristic that set him apart from other scientists of his time.

Flexibility in Theory: Mendeleev was not rigid with his Periodic Table. When the atomic number was discovered to be a more accurate parameter for the arrangement of elements, he was willing to adjust his table. This flexibility was not common among scientists of his time.

Recognition of Periodicity: While other scientists were studying individual elements, Mendeleev recognized the concept of periodicity - the repetition of physical and chemical properties of elements when they are arranged by increasing atomic weight. This was a major breakthrough in the field of chemistry.

Practical Application: Mendeleev's work had a practical application. His Periodic Table became a useful tool for scientists to understand the properties of elements and their compounds, and to predict how elements might react with each other. This was not the case with many other theories of his time.