Memoirs of I. I. Tolstoy, Minister of Education in Witte's office (May 31, 1905 - April 24, 1906) are fully published for the first time. A prominent scientist I.I. Tolstoy was a lawyer by education, by scientific interests - a historian, archaeologist and numismatist, for many years he headed art education in Russia, being vice president of the Academy of Arts (1892-1905). Having taken the chair of the Minister of Education, he introduced into the work of the ministry entrusted to him all the previous experience of his diverse activities.