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20 Episodes 1981 - 1981
Episode 1
Tue, Jan 6, 1981 60 mins
Examining doctors in Nigeria, primarily rural practitioners who call themselves "traditional healers" and use herbs to treat their patients for maladies ranging from yellow fever to broken bones. Raymond St. Jacques narrates.
Episode 2
Tue, Jan 20, 1981 60 mins
In "Message in the Rocks," scientists study stones off mountains in Greenland and fragments of meteorites found in Antarctica for clues to the origin of the earth. Geologists are seen observing volcanic activity, including the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption.
Episode 3
Tue, Jan 27, 1981 60 mins
"The Dead Sea Lives" as a valuable resource for Israel and Jordan. As seen in this report, both countries tap the waters for substances used in industry and agriculture. In addition, Israel processes the brine for solar power. Don Wescott narrates.
Episode 4
Tue, Feb 10, 1981 60 mins
Examining the eruption of Washington's Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980 as captured on film and recalled by survivors.
Episode 5
Tue, Feb 17, 1981 60 mins
A report on forensic medicine begins by reenacting a police homicide investigation and showing graphic footage of an autopsy performed on a gunshot victim. Also: interviews with criminologists.
Episode 6
Tue, Feb 24, 1981 60 mins
The rising cost of health care in the patient-supported system of the U.S. and the taxpayer-supported system of Great Britain. Also: a look at the vital role of general practitioners in both countries. Julie Harris is the program narrator.
Episode 7
Tue, Mar 3, 1981 60 mins
A report on tools astronomers use, including radio telescopes, spectrographs and computers. Narrated by Ted O'Brien.
Episode 8
Tue, Mar 10, 1981 60 mins
Geologist Luis Alvarez proposes a theory that an asteroid's fall caused the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Another theory postulates that the same cataclysm triggered the volcanic birth of Iceland. Bill Mason is the narrator.
Episode 9
Tue, Mar 17, 1981 60 mins
Creatures that exhibit great speed and stamina are surveyed. Lee Remick narrates footage of fleet cheetahs, high-jumping fleas, gymnastically inclined gibbons and endurance-swimming whales.
Episode 10
Tue, Aug 25, 1981 60 mins
Voyager I's findings as it passed Saturn in November 1980, sending back 17,000 pictures. Included: shots of some of the 1000 rings; and a look at Titan, the largest of Saturn's 15 moons.
Episode 11
Sun, Sep 27, 1981 60 mins
The use of computers by financial institutions and industry in the gathering and exchange of personal information. James Whitmore is the narrator.
Episode 12
Sun, Oct 4, 1981 60 mins
A report on outdated fire codes and flammability-testing methods, the use of combustible plastics in furnishings and building materials, arson, and inadequate sprinkler systems and smoke detectors.
Episode 13
Sun, Oct 11, 1981 60 mins
An examination of 17th and 18th-century musical instruments that are still known for their remarkably superior sounds. Included: an interview with violinist Joseph Silverstein and a history of the instrument.
Episode 14
Sun, Oct 18, 1981 60 mins
Examining X-rays emitted by heavenly bodies that are helping astronomers learn about the sun's corona, black holes and pulsing neutron stars.
Episode 15
Sun, Oct 25, 1981 60 mins
Locusts' devastating effects on farmland in Africa and Asia. Also: techniques for predicting and preventing future calamities.
Episode 16
Sun, Nov 1, 1981 60 mins
Examining the evolutionary process, including the role of genetics.
Episode 17
Sun, Nov 15, 1981 60 mins
Computers graphics used to draw maps, create music and simulate space travel. Also: a look at holograms and three-dimensional images.
Episode 18
Sun, Nov 22, 1981 60 mins
Dr. Lewis Thomas studies the "connectedness of life" through vivid microscopic photography. Organisms examined include one-celled bacteria and sponges. Narrator: Bill Mason.
Episode 19
Sun, Nov 29, 1981 60 mins
Surveying open-air plazas in urban areas like New York City. Narrated by author William H. Whyte.
Episode 20
Sun, Dec 6, 1981 60 mins
Physical and behavioral similarities between twins are studied through the case of brothers separated at birth and reunited 24 years later.