What We're Reading

You could imagine that we're a bookish lot, and to a great extent that is true. One of us, of course, is fond of claiming that he has no time for anything but work or school, but personally I suspect that such a statement is really just a cover for various nefarious activities. Nevertheless, it remains true that we tend to read a lot, each in our own areas of interest and speciality.

One thing that we are reading, however, is Michael Faraday's 1861 classic, The Chemical History of the Candle. Originally presented as a popular lecture, the Chemical History is a beautifully clear and cogent introduction not only to Victorian chemistry and physics, but to the fundamentals which we still must understand 150 years later. Clearly, cogently written and accompanied by a range of experiments, this book represents some of the best of 19th century popular science.

And further, these are experiments which cry out to be performed. Some of the demonstrations and illustrations are remarkably simple. Relying upon simple experimental tools, Faraday's demonstrations are just as impressive today as they would have been in the 1850s and 1860s.

At one point, we had considered attempted to re-stage Faraday's lecture, with a significant number of the demonstrations intact. It would take time and effort, but I think that it would be a great deal of fun and highly informative (aside from which, I'd love an excuse for a round of snap-dragon). Interested? Leave us a comment and let us know if you'd like to see and hear the words of Michael Faraday given new life.

The Elements and How to Keep Them

Most days, I could go either way when it comes to a certain popular web video site. I have subscribed to some people who post regularly, but I tend to lose interest after a while. In most cases. Not, however, in the case of the University of Nottingham's The Periodic Table of Videos (their main site is here). These videos are genuinely worth your time, even if you don't have the slightest interest in chemistry.

A case in point: their most recent posting, which really deserves a look:

Additionally, around the holidays, this was one of my personal favorites:

Personally, I think these videos are amusing, intelligent, and fascinating. But that's one person's opinion. What's your view? Post it in the comments.

Interested in starting your own collection of elements, but don't have the $2,000 mentioned in the video for even the basic set? You can at least dip your toe in the shallow end - check out those available from the Beagle, by following this link to the webstore:

• Native Elements

And if you have your own element questions, don't forget that there's at least one person at the Beagle with more than just a little chemistry knowledge...