About this season
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.
Episodes (28)
1. Danger: Man At Work - In The Balance
Aired 24 September 1969
Part a six-part series on pollution. This program shows how comparatively new science of ecology has shown fate of life on earth lies in balance.
2. Danger: Man At Work - The Urban Crisis
Aired 1 October 1969
Part two of a six-part series on pollution. The ways man has succeeded, and failed, to duplicate in his cities checks and balances of natural environment.
3. Danger: Man At Work - Water
Aired 8 October 1969
The third program in a six-part series about pollution. This program shows how water is distributed.
4. Danger: Man At Work - Air Pollution
Aired 15 October 1969
Fourth program in a six-part series on pollution. The program show history of air pollution from advent of coal-burning in 14th Century.
5. Danger: Man At Work - Pesticides
Aired 22 October 1969
Fifth in a six-part series on pollution. All pesticides are poisonous in greater or lesser degrees.
6. Danger: Man At Work - The Global Crisis
Aired 29 October 1969
Final program of a sub-series on pollution and conservation. This program offers statements and observations by experts on extent of pollution in world today and what can be done to improve it.
7. The Ages Of Man: A Day In The Life Of A G.P.
Aired 5 November 1969
A 24-hour day in life of a young family physician, Dr Reg Perkin, covering everything from his 7 am jogging to his 10 am tonsillectomy operation.
8. The Ages Of Man: A Breath Of Life
Aired 12 November 1969
Every year, over 12,000 Canadians are born with serious inherited defects. Maureen McChesney, 12, is one.
9. The Ages Of Man: The Attack On Cancer
Aired 26 November 1969
This program focuses on research into effects of drugs on cancers in mice being conducted by internationally renowned cancer team at Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital.
10. The Ages Of Man: Drugs
Aired 10 December 1969
A study of how medical researchers are using animals to determine effect of drugs such as marijuana and LSD, and.
11. The Ages Of Man: The Cell
Aired 17 December 1969
The theme of biology for past 20 years has been origin of biological constancy. The theme of next 20 years will be origin of biological diversity.
12. The Ages Of Man: Arthritis
Aired 24 December 1969
One quarter of all Canadians will be affected some time in their lives by arthritis.
13. The Ages of Man: Decade Science Review
Aired 31 December 1969
14. The Ages Of Man: Heart Disease
Aired 7 January 1970
A look at coronary thrombosis which kills three out of ten adults; heart research in Canada.
15. The Ages Of Man: Transplants
Aired 15 January 1970
History and research in field of organ transplants.
16. The Ages Of Man: A Definition Of Death
Aired 22 January 1970
When is a man dead? Canadian physicians discuss medical, ethical and legal questions involved with death, organ transplants.
17. Wild Africa: As It Was
Aired 25 February 1970
A look at luxuriant parks and reserves where various species of wild animals and birds still survive.
18. A Sense Of Time
Aired 19 March 1970
First in a three-part series visiting some of Canada's 700 museums in an attempt to show how people of all ages use them for self-discovery.
19. Wild Africa: Something New
Aired 25 March 1970
Africa as it was during 18th and 19th centuries. Final program in this season's series.
20. A Sense Of Time
Aired 26 March 1970
Second in a series of three programs on Canada's museums. This program presents views from adults - those who feel past has no relevance to their lives, and others who find themselves culturally enriched by past.
21. A Sense Of Time
Aired 2 April 1970
A look "backstage" at Ontario Science Center, Royal Ontario Museum and Old Fort Henry.
22. Oceanography
Aired 14 May 1970
Recent advances in oceanography.
23. Continental Drift
Aired 21 May 1970
The theory that Earth's continents are moving is examined.
24. Sense Substitution
Aired 28 May 1970
Research on new electronics and mechanical devices to help blind and deaf realize true sensory perception.
25. Physical Sciences: Stellar Evolution
Aired 4 June 1970
The latest observations of astronomers have turned up new kinds of stars; mysterious emanations from deep in space called pulsars and quasars.
26. Physical Sciences: Making Waves
Aired 11 June 1970
Research into physics of sound and hearing has caused increasing alarm among scientists and physicians about effects of high noise levels upon people, and destructive psychological and physical effects of constant noise pollution.
27. Physical Sciences: Energy Conversion
Aired 18 June 1970
The physics of energy and problem of producing large quantities of energy with little pollution form basis of this program.
28. Physical Sciences: Laser
Aired 25 June 1970
The qualities of laser and normal light are contrasted. Final program in series.