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Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

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Mind-expanding talks and hands-on science, inspiring children and adults alike since 1825.

Great scientists, even greater questions. Mind-expanding talks and hands-on science, inspiring children and adults alike since 1825.

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Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: 2012: The Modern Alchemist

Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: 2012: The Modern Alchemist: Episode 1: Air: The Elixir of Life

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Factual: Science & Nature

Air: The Elixir of Life

Episode 1

Episode 1: Air: The Elixir of Life

2012: The Modern Alchemist

BBC Four - Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, 2012: The Modern Alchemist, Air: The Elixir of Life

How our knowledge of air can be used to control fire, defy gravity and harness lightning.

Peter Wothers explores what alchemists knew about air and reveals how our knowledge can be used to control fire, defy gravity and harness lightning's power.

The medieval alchemists made elements react to create magnificent shows, enthralling kings and commoners alike, but their secrets were never revealed until now. 

In the first of this year's Christmas Lectures, Dr Peter Wothers explores what the alchemists knew about the air we breathe and reveals how our modern knowledge of these elements can be used to control fire, defy gravity and harness the power of a lightning storm. Peter is joined by the cast of the musical Loserville and is helped in his exploration of the 118 modern elements by a periodic table made from audience members at the Royal Institution.

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Alchemist Dr Peter Wothers gives three lectures on air, water and earth.

Dr Peter Wothers unpicks the chemistry of the world around us, looking at air, water and earth - three of the original ancient Greek 'elements' that tantalised alchemists for centuries.

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Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

2012: The Modern Alchemist

Episode 1: Air: The Elixir of Life

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