[The last tsarist minister N. K. Kulchickiy (1856-1925): in between science and politics].

The article analyzes the scientific and political aspects of the biography of Nikolai Konstantinovich Kulchitsky (1856-1925). He was not only the last tsarist minister of education, but also the sole medico at this high position. The scientific achievements of professor histologist from Kharkov have proved to be in great demand in the XXI century not only in neuroendocrinology, but in oncology and pulmonology too. The authors analyzed the stages and conditions of the administrative career of the conservative Kulchitsky heading large educational districts during five years and two ministerial months in the beginning of 1917. He managed to do not a little for development of school hygiene and sanitation in the Kazan and Petrogad educational districts, including in conditions of the world war. The meaningful for the particular epoch the combination of medical and social aspects of activities of gifted researcher medico deserves a special attention and comprehensive study.