Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) was an Austrian peasant farmer's son. He entered an Augustinian monastery when he was 21. In 1851 he was sent by the Abbot of the order to study science in Vienna for two years. When he returned he began his plant- breeding experiments in the monastery gardens seen here. By crossing various strains of pea he demonstrated that hereditary characteristics are transmitted via distinct elements, which are today called genes. He discovered the basic statistical laws of heredity and laid the foundation for the modern science of genetics.