The Ascent of Man
Episode 04 - The Hidden Structure. This episode traces the development of chemistry from the early use of fire to disclose metals like copper to our modern knowledge of the elements. Fire was used to transform metals into tools. The problem of the softness of copper was overcome by making the alloy bronze, and chemistry helped develop even more useful metals. Chemistry also helped revolutionise medicine through the work of Paracelsus.
| Episode 04 - The Hidden Structure |
| Related Links |
| History of Chemistry - wikipedia The history of chemistry represents a time span from ancient history to the present. By 1000 BC, civilizations used technologies that would eventually form the basis to the various branches of chemistry. |
| Chemistry: A Volatile History This is a BBC documentary series presented by Professor Jim Al-Khalili, tracing the story of how the elements - the building blocks that make up our entire world - were discovered and mapped. |
| 100 Greatest Discoveries - Chemistry This episode recounts thirteen important discoveries in chemistry, including Joseph Priestly's discovery of oxygen, John Dalton's atomic theory, and Dmitry Mendeleev's discovery of periodic table of elements. |
Go to The Ascent of Man Home or watch other episodes: