Speransky’s life and works have been the subject of numerous studies. Anyone who dwells on the main issues of Russia’s state development in the nineteenth century encounters his activities. The constitutional projects associated with his name, which remained unrealized, touched on subjects which our public thought has always turned to with unflagging interest. It is difficult to name another Russian statesman of the early XIX century who has left such a rich legacy as Speransky.
Speransky had the gods’ gift of fortune that opened a broad space for the application of his talents, and of misfortune, which evoked sympathy and interest of the posterity. The glory of his deeds is enhanced and surrounded by the glow of major historical events he was involved in, but this glory was created by himself, his work and talents. If Russia of the XVIII century could be proud of great scientists who had paved the way to the highest service to science, thanks to their personal gifts, then in the early XIX century, in other fields, Speransky was one such gem.