Chemistry: A volatile History

From the untarnished lustre of gold to the dazzle of vivid, violent potassium, elements are the wonderful stuff of which the world around us is made. For centuries this world was unknown - dimly perceived, completely misunderstood.

Our world and everything within it – from the enormous variety of nature, to the complexity of man - was made from just 92 elements. The story of their discovery and chemists’ struggle to reveal their hidden pattern is the story of how the modern world was made.

In this film Professor of Nuclear Physics, Jim al-Khalili will go on a journey to find out how the mysterious, sensuous world of the elements was discovered and mapped. He’ll revel in the glorious textures and astonishing behaviour of the elements, and unravel the stories of the chemical pioneers who plumbed their secrets and moved us into the modern age.

Pariscience 2011
: Thursday 06th October 2011 from 16h00 to 17h30