American Masters

Why did Oliver Sacks love the periodic table so much?

The renowned physician and writer Oliver Sacks was known for his amazing empathy for other people. But his first “friends” as a child, as he described, were not people but numbers, minerals, metals, and plants. He loved these things throughout his life and even incorporated them into his wardrobe.

Why did Oliver Sacks love the periodic table so much?

1m 11s

  • Weaving Nature: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Weaving Nature

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    Maryland artist David Bacharach creates "The Mounds," an outdoor arts installation that confronts global climate change. Bacharach employs traditional weaving and metalsmithing techniques to build sculptures that reflect environmental problems that impact land, air and water. This synthesis of art and nature illustrates the interconnectedness of human activity and environmental degradation.

  • The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (Extended Audio Description): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (Extended Audio Description)

    1h 42m

    Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement. This version of the film contains extended audio description and large open captions.

  • The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (ASL): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (ASL)

    1h 40m

    Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement. This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation.

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