Friday, January 2nd, 2009

The Invention of Air

An experimental electrical apparatus built by Priestley. Familiar Introduction to Electricity, 1768.

How are the discovery of oxygen, the founding of the Unitarian Church, and ecosystem science linked? Author Steven Johnson tells the story of scientist and theologian Joseph Priestley, a protégé of Benjamin Franklin and friend of Thomas Jefferson, in 'The Invention of Air.'

Guests

Steven Johnson
Author, "The Invention of Air" (Riverhead Hardcover, 2008)
New York, New York

Related Links

• Joseph Priestley - Chemical Heritage Magazine
• Joseph Priestley House
• ACS: Joseph Priestley: Discoverer of Oxygen

Segment produced by:Molly Ashford

Image: A Priestly experiment that led to the development of soda water.

Friday, January 2nd, 2009

• Looking Forward to a Year of Science
• Controlling Mosquitoes With Bacteria
• Sniffle, Sneeze, Urrp: Time for Colds and Flu
• Mystified? Solve It With Science
• The Invention of Air

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