DEMIDOV, the name of a famous Russian family, founded by Nikita Demidov (b. c. 1665), who was originally a black smith serf. He made his fortune by his skill in the manufacture of weapons, and established an iron foundry for the Govern ment. Peter the Great, with whom he was a favourite, ennobled him in 172o. His son, Akinfiy Demidov (d. c. 174o), increased his inherited wealth by the discovery and working of gold, silver and copper mines. The latter's nephew, Paul Grigoryevich Demidov (1738-1821), was a great traveller who was a benefac tor of Russian scientific education; he founded an annual prize for Russian literature, awarded by the Academy of Sciences. Paul's nephew, Count Nikolay Nikitich Demidov (1774-1828), raised and commanded a regiment to oppose Napoleon's inva sion, and carried on the accumulation of the family wealth from mining ; he contributed liberally to the erection of four bridges in St. Petersburg, and to scientific education in Moscow. Paul's son, Prince Anatoli Demidov (1813-187o), was a well-known traveller and patron of art ; he married Princess Mathilde, daugh ter of Jerome Bonaparte.