Ep 2. Unruly Elements

In episode 2 of The Mystery of Matter: Search for the Elements, titled "Unruly Elements," we delve deeper into the world of chemistry and explore the properties of several elements that have, historically, been difficult to understand and control.

We begin by looking at sulphur, an element that was once seen as a nuisance by early alchemists due to its tendency to foul up their experiments. However, as we dig deeper, we discover that sulphur is actually an incredibly versatile material with a range of important uses, from gunpowder to fertilizer. We learn about the role that pioneering chemists like Lavoisier and Dalton played in uncovering the mysteries of sulphur and how their work helped to lay the foundations of modern chemistry.

From there, we move on to another element with a bit of a reputation - mercury. This notoriously toxic substance has been used for everything from dental fillings to thermometer production over the years, but it wasn't until the discovery of its liquid form that it truly began to capture the imagination of chemists. We learn about the work of Boyle and Lavoisier, who were some of the first scientists to study mercury extensively and document its many unusual properties.

Next up is arsenic, an element that is infamous for its poisonous qualities. Despite this, arsenic has played an important role in a number of fields - from medicine to warfare. In this episode, we take a closer look at why arsenic is so toxic, as well as some of the other characteristics that have made it an object of fascination for scientists throughout history.

Finally, we turn our attention to phosphorus, an element that is essential to all life on earth. We learn about the discovery of phosphorus by the alchemist Hennig Brand, who famously claimed that he had found a way to make gold out of urine. While Brand's recipe didn't quite live up to its billing, his discovery of phosphorus went on to have a major impact on fields like agriculture, medicine, and even warfare.

Throughout the episode, we are introduced to a range of interesting characters, from pioneering scientists like Boyle and Lavoisier to modern-day chemists who are continuing to explore the properties of these unruly elements. With fascinating stories and stunning visuals, "Unruly Elements" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and science of chemistry.