Ep 1. Out of Thin Air

The Mystery of Matter: Search for the Elements season 1 episode 1, titled Out of Thin Air takes the viewers on a fascinating journey to explore the discovery of one of the most important elements in the universe - oxygen. The episode sets the stage by introducing us to the people and circumstances that led to the first ever scientific investigation into the composition of air.

The episode takes us back to the 18th century when Joseph Priestley, a curious scientist, started experimenting with air by trying to understand how plants produce oxygen. He conducted various experiments in his laboratory and discovered a new gas he called "dephlogisticated air," which was later identified as oxygen. He also discovered that breathing this gas improved respiration in mice and helped extinguish small flames.

The lead presenter, Michael Emerson, provides historical context and shares details about Priestley's life and work. Through careful dramatizations, we witness Priestley's attempts to create a new gas, as well as the subsequent years of controversy and debate that followed his discovery.

The episode also introduces us to Antoine Lavoisier, who is considered the father of modern chemistry. Lavoisier and his wife, Marie-Anne, worked tirelessly to replicate and build upon Priestley's groundbreaking work. They used his discovery of oxygen to prove that combustion requires oxygen and developed some of the first accurate methods for quantitative chemical analysis.

In addition to their scientific discoveries, the episode presents details on the social, economic, and cultural impact of the discovery of oxygen. It shows how the new knowledge transformed the world of medicine, manufacturing, and transportation by taking a detailed look at how oxygen played a role in the Industrial Revolution.

The presenters also take us to the streets of London, where we meet modern-day chemists who are putting a contemporary spin on these early discoveries. Using some of the same equipment and techniques from the period, they recreate some of Priestley's experiments to understand more about his discoveries.

The episode is engaging, informative, and filled with elements of drama and suspense. It captures the excitement and uncertainty of these early days of scientific investigation, as visionary scientists pushed the boundaries of what was known and opened up new worlds of possibility in our understanding of the elements.

Overall, Out of Thin Air is a fascinating exploration of the discovery of oxygen and highlights how science has progressed over the years, while also acknowledging the truth that science remains an ongoing and exciting voyage of discovery. It sets the stage for a gripping and informative series that is sure to entertain and enlighten anyone with a curiosity about the mysteries of matter.