The Nature of Things
Season 22
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 22
16 Episodes
- Reconnective Surgery / Shark Vision / BatteriesE1
Reconnective Surgery / Shark Vision / BatteriesDavid Suzuki examines reconnective surgery and the vision capabilities of sharks, visits an irrigation project in India and explains the functions of batteries. The micro-surgery segment was taped in China and features Dr. Chen Chung Wei of the 6th People's Hospital in Shanghai. Dr. Chen is credited with pioneering the techniques now being practiced at Toronto's General hospital. - Rabies in Ontario / Island of Coral / Hazards of Microwave OvensE2
Rabies in Ontario / Island of Coral / Hazards of Microwave OvensSteps being taken to combat rabies in Ontario, an Island of Coral which provides a home for some of the world's most unique creatures, and the advantages and hazards of microwave ovens. - Waterproof Frog / The Piano / In the Sub-Nuclear Kitchen / The RecordE4
Waterproof Frog / The Piano / In the Sub-Nuclear Kitchen / The RecordWaterproof Frog: A look at the unique frog Phyllomedusa which lives in the arid Gran Chaco region of central South America. The frog protects itself against water loss by coating its body with a waxy secretion. The Piano: A program about the history and science of the piano. In the Sub-Nuclear Kitchen: A brief look at particle physics and the huge particle accelerator at the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva. The Record: A history of the phonograph record. - Twins - And Then There Were TwoE6
Twins - And Then There Were TwoThis is a special edition based on two half hour programs that first aired in 1978. Producer Heather Cook has revised and updated the original programs to include the latest research data in studies that have been continuing over long periods at various medical centres and universities in North America. The program explains how cells divide to produce twins and the differences between fraternal twins and identical twins. - A Natural Turn of Events / Kidney Transplant / KelpE7
A Natural Turn of Events / Kidney Transplant / KelpA Natural Turn of Events: Construction in Toronto has led to the creation of a long spit of land - the Leslie Street Spit - which is turning into a prime nesting location for many kinds of birds, and also for migrating Monarch butterflies. Kidney Transplant: Kidney dialysis and transplants, with Dr. Michael Robinette of the Toronto General Hospital. Kelp: A look at kelp harvesting in China, and the products that can be made from it. - Microscope: Making It Big / Desert Doctors / Polar Bear PassE8
Microscope: Making It Big / Desert Doctors / Polar Bear PassMicroscope: Making It Big: A look at the history and present development of the microscope. Desert Doctors: A look at the mobile hospitals used to treat people inexpensively in India's Rajisthan Desert. Polar Bear Pass: A look at Polar Bear Pass, an important oasis of arctic wildlife on Canada's Bathurst Island. - An Island Shall a Monster Make / Philip Morrison on Nuclear WarE10
An Island Shall a Monster Make / Philip Morrison on Nuclear WarA magazine edition highlights the giant lizards on the island of Mona near Puerto Rico, and physics professor Philip Morrison's work on the atomic bomb as a team member on the Manhattan Project. - Aspirin / Windy Bay / Fluorescent LightE11
Aspirin / Windy Bay / Fluorescent LightAspirin: An examination of how the common drug aspirin may have widespread application in combating heart and circulatory system diseases. This depends on its action, only recently appreciated, of inhibiting blood clotting. Windy Bay: A look at Windy Bay, on Lyell Island in the Queen Charlotte Islands, one of the last areas of virgin rainforest on the Canadian west coast. Windy Bay is now threatened by clearcut logging even though it has been suggested as a priority site for international conservation. Fluorescent Light: How fluorescent lights work and how they are manufactured. - Hanuman Langurs: Monkeys of India / A Helping Hand / Formation FlightE12
Hanuman Langurs: Monkeys of India / A Helping Hand / Formation FlightHanuman Langurs: Monkeys of India: A look at the social organization and adaptation to human settlements of Hanuman langurs, social monkeys who are named for the monkey god Hanuman. A Helping Hand: A look at myoelectric prostheses, artificial limbs which, while being powered by batteries, are actually controlled by amplified muscle electricity. Formation Flight: Examining the reasons why large birds tend to fly in formation. - Jute Plastic / Honeybees / HildebrandE13
Jute Plastic / Honeybees / Hildebrand"Jute Plastic." Bangladesh is the world's chief supplier of jute fibre for use in the manufacture of twine, burlap, tarpaulin and carpet-backing. This item shows how jute is harvested and processed for export, and how synthetic fibres are now threatening the economy of Bangladesh which depends on jute production for much of its income. "Honeybees." The life and social order of a honeybee colony - the role of drone, queen and worker bees, their feeding and how they communicate. "Hildebrand." A follow-up to last season's report on Dr Joel Hildebrand of the University of California at Berkeley, who in Dec. 1981 celebrated his 100th birthday at his office on the campus where he is still very active in teaching and research. - Mind's Eye / Tide Mill / Colour It SnakeE14
Mind's Eye / Tide Mill / Colour It SnakeMind's Eye: A report on recent research into how the brain constructs vision from the information supplied by the eyes. Tide Mill: A look at a grist mill at Ealing in England which for two centuries has run on tidal power. Colour It Snake: A discussion of the ways in which the basic pigments in snake scales are arranged to produce colour patterns fitting various survival needs. - Waves / The Harp Seal / BlackflyE16
Waves / The Harp Seal / BlackflyWaves: An update of the program "Freak Waves" originally broadcast in December 1980. A further look at research being done into wave formations that can destroy oil rigs on the open sea. The Harp Seal (repeat): The development of the Harp Seal is traced, from birth through nursing to its eventual migration northward. Blackfly (repeat): A look at disease and other problems caused by blackflies.