As a celebratory episode, reaching number 50 in this podcast, we talk about the history of DNA, from its discovery by Dr. Friedrich Miescher in the 1860s, to the race to uncover its correct structure in 1953, between the Great and Powerful Linus Pauling, and the less-great and certainly non-powerful James Watson and Francis Crick. Along the way, we learn of the fits and starts in figuring out what DNA&apos;s real function was, and how it differed from RNA (originally lumped together with DNA as &quot;nucleic acid&quot;). Among the scientists we find along the way are Frederick Griffith, Oswald Avery, Erwin Schrödinger, Erwin Chargaff, Edward Ronwin, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin, and Peter Pauling.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry">Support the Show.</a><ul> <li>Support my podcast at <a href='https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry'>https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry</a> </li> <li>Tell me how your life relates to chemistry! E-mail me at steve@historyofchem.com</li> <li>Get my book, O Mg! How Chemistry Came to Be, from World Scientific Publishing, <a href='https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook'>https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook</a> </li> </ul>

51: Let's Take a Field Trip

Chemistry is everywhere, and involves everything. But how did chemistry get to be what it is? I'm Steve Cohen, a chemist and writer, bringing you The History of Chemistry. This podcast explores the development of chemistry from prehistoric times to the present, including the people and societies who made chemistry what it is today. The History of Chemistry is for you, whether you hated chemistry in high school, or got a PhD in inorganic chemistry. We'll explore how chemistry affected art, music, language, politics and vice-versa. Whether it's ancient Greek philosophers, medieval alchemists, or modern laboratory apparatus, it's all here. Don't forget to support my series at https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry !