Water: the Long Road from Aristotelian Element to H2O

Hasok Chang, University College London

Until as late as the 1780s water was still generally considered one of Aristotle's four elements. A whole century of exciting and challenging scientific debates were required before 'water is H2O' became scientific common sense. The surprising history of this most familiar of substances illustrates the hidden challenges in establishing even the simplest of scientific facts.

***Please note, this event is now FULLY BOOKED. It will be recorded and available to download from our archive of lectures.