The book is dedicated to Mikhail Mikhailovich Novikov - rector of Moscow University (1919-1920), an outstanding biologist, professor of zoology and comparative anatomy of the university (1911, 1916-1920), author of fundamental works on zoology and comparative anatomy, a major public and political figure: deputy of the Moscow City Duma and IV State Duma. In the fall of 1922, Novikov was forced to leave his homeland on one of the "philosophical steamers."