Nikolai Dmitriyevich Pilchikov (21.05.1857-19.05.1908) - a Russian physicist. He was born in Poltava. He graduated from Kharkov University (1880) and worked there until 1894 (from 1889 as professor). In 1894—1902 he was professor at Novorossiysk University, and in 1902—08 at the Kharkov Technological Institute.
His work concerned optics, terrestrial magnetism, electrical and radio engineering, radioactivity, X-rays, electrochemistry, geophysics and meteorology. In 1883 he carried out geophysical studies in the area of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly and was the first to suggest that further studies might lead to the discovery of rich iron ore deposits in that area. He was one of the first in Russia to begin research on radioactivity, radiography and radio control. He constructed a differential hydrometer, a thermostat, a seismograph and a refractometer, and proposed new methods of research.