The Nature of Things
Season 2
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 2
24 Episodes
- To Educate a ScientistE3
To Educate a ScientistDr. Patterson Hume and Dr. Donald Ivey of the University of Toronto illustrate methods developed by the Physics Science Study Committee, and initiated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National Science Foundation, to teach physics using simple, homemade apparatus. They also discuss whether students should make their own scientific apparatus. - GallstonesE5
GallstonesDonald Crowdis, Director of the Nova Scotia Museum of Science hosts this show on gallstones. A.J. Harding Range, professor of medical surgery at the Charing Cross Hospital Medical School explains what gallstones are, how they are formed, and how they are removed. Includes footage of the bacterologists at work in the Charing Cross laboratories, with comments by Range on the research being done on gallstones. Dr. N.C. Tanner of the Charing Cross Hospital performs a gallstone operation. - The Upper Mantle ProjectE6
The Upper Mantle ProjectProgram guest J. Tuzo Wilson, Professor of Physics, University of Toronto, and host Lister Sinclair look at a Canadian plan to survey that part of the earth laying immediately under the crust in an effort to learn more about the earth's formation, its landscapes and weather. Also, they show why a piece of lava is unreliable evidence of what lies beneath the earth's surface. - The Physics of MusicE7
The Physics of MusicHost Lister Sinclair and Professor Harvey Olnick of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music explain the physics of music; how the various instruments produce sound; the physics of sound waves; oscilliscope (including a film by Dr. Hugh Lelaine of the National Research Council); quality and overtones of musical notes; and resonance (including film footage). - Man and the MoonE9
Man and the MoonProgram examines the type of surface man may find if and when he lands on the moon; it shows what is known about the moon's surface, and how this knowledge is used in the design of vehicles and other equipment for lunar exploration. Ewen Whitaker of the Lunar and Planetary Observatory of the University of Arizona describes surface details as seen through optical telescopes. Allyn Hazard of the Space General Corp. of Glendale, California discusses possible vehicles and clothing to be used by lunar explorers. - Monkey CuriosityE11
Monkey CuriosityThis episode focuses on scientists' views of the nature of science. Seen are: Dr. Alfred Romer, zoologist; Dr. Harold Urey, Nobel Prize winning chemist; Dr. Margaret Mead, anthropologist; Dr. Omond Solandt, physiologist; Dr. Norman Alcock, physicist; and Dr. Harrison Brown, geochemist. - Getting the Upper HandE14
Getting the Upper HandA look at the Dutch Elm disease and biological efforts to control it. Host John Livingston outlines the history of the disease in Canada; explains the nature of the disease; how it is transmitted; the failure of attempts to stop it with DDT spraying; and methods of elm tree "sanitation". The technique of bilogical control and its dangers is examined including: the disastrous results of the introduction of the Indian mongoose in Trinidad to control rats; the biological control of rose aphids; and the successful campaign in Florida to eliminate the screw worm fly by the introduction of sterile males. - LearningE19
LearningAn examination of the young child's ability to learn, and a comparison of the human child's learning rate to that of lower animal forms such as an octopus. A group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology explains its findings on the ability of simple brains to learn. Dr. Omar K. Moore of Yale shows his laboratory for the study of child learning in Connecticut. - A Bang-Up JobE20
A Bang-Up JobDr. Robert Knott, G.R. Phare of the CIL Research Division, and host Lister Sinclair examine the properties, types and uses of explosives. Includes an explanation and film illustration of: ballistic pendulum; fall hammer; hydromex; cushion blasting; and shape-end charges. - Out of AfricaE21
Out of AfricaNaturalist John Livingston is host of this program about man's place in nature and the problems of new African nations in supplying growing populations with an adequate supply of animal protein. In a recently-filmed interview, Sir Julian Huxley discusses the change in the old balance between man and nature in Africa. Canadian freelance writer and biochemist Lillian Andrews conducts the interview. The program also includes footage of game herds in Africa. - Blood in the BalanceE23
Blood in the BalanceA look at the new field of ballistocardiography. Host Dr. Patterson Hume of the University of Toronto explains the principals behind ballistocardiography. Donald Crowdis of the Nova Scotia Science Museum explains the functioning of the human heart with the aid of a model. Dr. Wilhelm Josenhans of the Department of Physiology at Dalhousie University explains his research and experimental apparatus to measure the ballistics of the flow of blood in the body. Also he explains his mechanical model of the heart pumping system and discusses some of the uses of his research.