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The BBC takes us behind the scenes of the explosive story of chemistry with their 2010 documentary Chemistry: A Volatile History. They reveal how the elements in chemistry make up our entire world. The film was nominated in the Specialist Factual category for the 2010 British Academy Television Awards.

Professor of theoretical physics Jim Al-Khalili,  presents the enlightening film in such a way that makes the story of chemistry a little easier to comprehend. He examines the remarkable tale of the elements were first discovered and then mapped. By tracing the footsteps of the innovators who cracked their secrets and developed this new science, Khalili will have you intrigued.

Separated into three parts this informative series provides insights into the remarkable world of chemistry. The first episode, Discovering the Elements showcases how the elements were discovered. It examines how the Ancient Greeks were only able to base their theories around the four elements in which they could see, Earth, Fire, Water and Air.

The Order of the Elements, the second in the series examines offers further insight into the revelation of the elements. It reflects how by the 19th century a mere 55 of the 92 naturally occurring elements had been discovered. At that time scientists had no idea how many more elements there were. The scientists at the time were determined to find out if there was a pattern to the elements.

The third and final episode in the series, The Power of the Elements explores how many of the early discoveries in chemistry were accidental. It touches on ‘bucket chemistry’ and how many people were adding a variety of chemicals together out of curiosity about what would happen.

Overall Chemistry: A Volatile History is an educational and informative documentary. It is a great documentary for anyone interested in the history of chemistry.

Part 1 – Discovering the Elements

Part 2 – The Order of the Elements

Part 3 – The Power of the Elements

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