The History of the Christmas Lectures - With Frank James

Explore the rich history of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES in this informative talk by Frank James, Professor of the History of Science at the Royal Institution. Delve into the origins of this prestigious lecture series, beginning with the first lecture delivered by John Millington in 1825. Discover Michael Faraday's significant contributions, including his famous series "The Chemical History of a Candle," which led to one of the most popular science books ever published. Learn about the lectures' transition to television, from early BBC broadcasts in 1936 to their annual televised format starting in 1966/7. Gain insights into the development, content, and impact of these lectures through historical clips, experiments, and demonstrations. Understand the importance of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES in popularizing science and their enduring legacy in scientific communication.