Chemistry: A Volatile History

With all the moronic talk from rabid right-wingers about "defunding" the BBC, I am pleased to be able to recommend this mini series as a (fairly) recent example of the top quality output from our national broadcaster. It is periodically available on the BBC iPlayer and, when it is, I (and fellow staff) have been pleased to share it with our school science students. It is interesting and engaging throughout, and often entertaining as well.

Without getting too bogged down in the details it sets the creation of the Periodic Table of the Elements in its historical context, giving examples along the way of what led to the discovery of new elements. The fact that I have now watched all three episodes at least 5 times each (and will still happily watch them again!) ought to say something about the enduring quality of this excellent BBC production.