When medieval alchemists staged spectacular stunts in front of royalty they never revealed the secrets of their mystical potions and fire-breathing creations. Today's chemists can perform equally impressive feats, but they do so to explain and explore the extreme frontiers of our material world. 

Dr Peter Wothers is the Modern Alchemist. In the 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® he will unpick the chemistry of the world around us - looking at Air, Water and Earth - three of the original ancient Greek 'elements' that tantalised alchemists for centuries:

  • Lecture One - Air: The Elixir of Life 
  • Lecture Two - Water: The Fountain of Youth
  • Lecture Three - Earth: The Philosopher's Stone

Learning Resources

Explore Chemistry learning resources related to the Lectures on the Learn Chemistry website from The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Chemistry Games

Play our interactive online games all about chemistry.

Thanks

The Ri would like to thank the 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® supporters:

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  • The Modern Alchemist

    2012 Christmas Lectures

    Image: The Royal Institution

  • The Modern Alchemist

    Dr Peter Wothers, 2012 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

    Image: The Royal Institution

  • The Modern Alchemist

    Dr Peter Wothers, 2012 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

    Image: The Royal Institution

  • The Modern Alchemist

    Dr Peter Wothers, 2012 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

    Image: The Royal Institution

  • The Modern Alchemist

    Dr Peter Wothers, 2012 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

    Image: The Royal Institution

  • The Modern Alchemist

    Dr Peter Wothers, 2012 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

    Image: The Royal Institution

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The Modern Alchemist

The 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES explore the chemistry of the modern world. By Dr Peter Wothers

Peter Wothers, The Modern Alchemist

Image: The Royal Institution

  • The Modern Alchemist: Earth

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  • The Modern Alchemist: Water

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  • The Modern Alchemist: Air

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  • The Modern Alchemist: Cloud Chamber

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  • Modern Alchemy: Detonating Nitrogen Triiodide

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  • Modern Alchemy: Pouring Water on an Oil Fire

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  • The Modern Alchemist: 1km pipe

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  • The Modern Alchemist: Hydrogen Balloons

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  • My Favourite Element - Trailer

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