The Nature of Things
Season 10
The Nature of Things is a Canadian television series of documentary programs. It debuted on CBC Television on November 6, 1960. Many of the programs document nature and the effect that humans have on it. The program was one of the first to explore environmental issues, such as clear-cut logging.
The series is named after an epic poem by Roman philosopher Lucretius: "Dē Rērum Nātūrā" — On the Nature of Things.
The series is named after an epic poem by Roman philosopher Lucretius: "Dē Rērum Nātūrā" — On the Nature of Things.
Where to Watch The Nature of Things • Season 10
28 Episodes
- The Ages of Man: A Day in the Life of a G.P. (1)E7
The Ages of Man: A Day in the Life of a G.P. (1)A 24-hour day in the life of a young family physician, Dr. Reg Perkin, covering everything from his 7 am jogging to his 10 am tonsillectomy operation; his afternoon office hours; his occasional duty on emergency call at Toronto's South Peel Hospital; his Thursday afternoon golf; and relaxation with his family at home. The film is also an examination of the direction medical training and health services are taking in Canada. - The Ages of Man: A Breath of Life (2)E8
The Ages of Man: A Breath of Life (2)Every year, over 12,000 Canadians are born with serious inherited defects. Maureen McChesney, 12, is one. A victim of cystic fibrosis, she must sleep in a special mist tent, take 110 pills and submit to three hours of special medical treatment every day. The program focuses on Maureen and her treatment and looks at genetics research and some other diseases transmitted through inheritance, including muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and mongolism. It shows what medicine tries to do when there is a suspicion of genetic damage in the foetus, and how those born with genetic defects are assisted. - The Ages of Man: The Attack on Cancer (3)E9
The Ages of Man: The Attack on Cancer (3)This program focuses on the research into the effects of drugs on cancers in mice being conducted by the internationally renowned cancer team at Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital. Written by the head of the team, Dr. Bob Bruce, who also appears on the program, the film begins with a human patient with a tumour which has passed beyond the stage where it can be treated by either surgery or radiation. At the end we see the patient again, after successful treatment with drugs. Also J.W. Meakin of the Princess Margaret Hospital appears. - The Ages of Man: The Cell (5)E11
The Ages of Man: The Cell (5)The theme of biology for the past 20 years has been the origin of biological constancy. The theme of the next 20 years will be the origin of biological diversity. This program explains why it is essential to understand the complicated mechanism of the normal cell before we can really understand what happens when cancerous cells run riot. The film focuses on the distinguished and internationally known work of Dr. James Till and Dr. B. McCullough of the Princess Margaret Hospital, and is written by them. - The Ages of Man: Arthritis (6)E12
The Ages of Man: Arthritis (6)One quarter of all Canadians will be affected some time in their lives by arthritis. This program looks at a case of rheumatoid arthritis, the drug treatments available, and some of the therapeutic aids to assist a person suffering from the disease. The film focuses largely on research into the cause and nature of arthritis. In the show are: Dr. D.A. Gordon, Wellesley Hospital; Dr. N.S. Taichman, University of Toronto Medical Centre; and Dr. I. Broder, Toronto Western Hospital. - The Ages of Man: Science Decade (7)E13
The Ages of Man: Science Decade (7)This program is a brief review of the main achievements of science over the past ten years, and attempts to anticipate some of the advancements which may be expected in the seventies. The remarks of many eminent Canadian scientists are linked by the comments of Dr. Isaac Asimov. Among the topics are: progress in the earth sciences; research into the fundamental particles of matter; ecology; pollution control; DNA; the origins of life; the understanding of the physical basis of memory; computers; astronomy; astrophysics; space flight; and progress in medicine, particularly in transplants. The latter portion features Dr. Pierre Grondin, Canada's first heart transplant surgeon. - A Sense of Time (2)E20
A Sense of Time (2)Second in a series of three programs on Canada's museums. This program presents views from adults — those who feel that the past has no relevance to their lives, and others who find themselves culturally enriched by the past. Includes a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum.