Connections (1978 TV series)

Connections (1978 TV series) is a ten-part documentary series presented by science historian James Burke, exploring the various paths of how our modern technological world came into existence. The series takes an interdisciplinary approach to the history of science and invention; the entire gestalt of the modern world is the result of a web of interconnected events. And the series contends that various discoveries, scientific achievements, and historical world events are built from one another successively in an interconnected way to bring about particular aspects of modern technology. To demonstrate this view, each episode of the series begins with a particular event or innovation in the past (usually Ancient or Medieval times) and traces the path from that event through a series of seemingly unrelated connections to a fundamental and essential aspect of the modern world. (from wikipedia.org)

Episode 01 - The Trigger Effect

Episode 01 Episode 02 Episode 03 Episode 04 Episode 05



Episode 06 Episode 07 Episode 08 Episode 09 Episode 10

Episode 01 - The Trigger Effect

This episode details the world's present dependence on complex technological networks through a detailed narrative of New York City and the power blackout of 1965.

Episode 02 - Death in the Morning

This episode examines the standardization of precious metal with the touchstone in the ancient world.

Episode 03 - Distant Voices

This episode suggests that telecommunications exist because Normans had stirrups for horse riding which in turn led them to further advancements in warfare.

Episode 04 - Faith in Numbers

This episode examines the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance from the perspective of how commercialism, climate change and the Black Death influenced cultural development.

Episode 05 - The Wheel of Fortune

This episode traces astrological knowledge in ancient Greek manuscripts from Baghdad's founder, Caliph Al-Mansur, via the Muslim monastery/medical school at Gundeshapur, to the medieval Church's need for alarm clocks.

Episode 06 - Thunder in the Skies

This episode implicates the Little Ice Age (ca. 1250-1300 AD) in the invention of the chimney, as well as knitting, buttons, wainscoting, wall tapestries, wall plastering, glass windows, and the practice of privacy for sleeping and sex.

Episode 07 - The Long Chain

This episode traces the invention of the Fluyt freighter in Holland in the 16th century.

Episode 08 - Eat, Drink and be Merry

This episode begins with plastic, the plastic credit card and the concept of credit, then leaps back to the time of the Dukes of Burgundy, the first state to use credit.

Episode 09 - Countdown

This episode connects the invention of the movie projector to improvements in castle fortifications caused by the invention and use of the cannon.

Episode 10 - Yesterday, Tomorrow and You

This episode is a bit of a recap; change causes more change.