Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

Eric Laithwaite: The Engineer Through the Looking Glass

Professor Eric Laithwaite presents his second televised series of CHRISTMAS LECTURES exploring the world of engineering. A sequel to his 1966 series, 'The Engineer in Wonderland', Laithwaite was the first person to present two series of Lectures on national television. His five lectures explore the varied work of engineers across gravitation, inertia and electromagnetism, including the controversial fourth lecture where Laithwaite used the behavioural gyroscopes in an attempt to challenge the validity of Newton’s Laws of motion and the laws of thermodynamics.

Where to Watch Eric Laithwaite: The Engineer Through the Looking Glass

6 Episodes

  • Looking Glass House
    E1
    Looking Glass HouseIn his first lecture, Professor Eric Laithwaite explores the concept of 'reflection', from concepts of the smallest particle to those of the whole universe.
  • Tweedledum and Tweedledee
    E2
    Tweedledum and TweedledeeProfessor Eric Laithwaite presents his second televised series of CHRISTMAS LECTURES exploring the world of engineering. A sequel to his 1966 series, 'The Engineer in Wonderland', Laithwaite was the first person to present two series of Lectures on national television. His five lectures explore the varied work of engineers across gravitation, inertia and electromagnetism, including the controversial fourth lecture where Laithwaite used the behavioural gyroscopes in an attempt to challenge the validity of Newton’s Laws of motion and the laws of thermodynamics.
  • Jam Yesterday, Jam Tomorrow
    E3
    Jam Yesterday, Jam TomorrowThrough the title of this third lecture and the theme of chess running through Alice's adventures, Professor Eric Laithwaite introduces the concept of 'odds and evens'.
  • The Jabberwock
    E4
    The JabberwockProfessor Eric Laithwaite presents his second televised series of CHRISTMAS LECTURES exploring the world of engineering. A sequel to his 1966 series, 'The Engineer in Wonderland', Laithwaite was the first person to present two series of Lectures on national television. His five lectures explore the varied work of engineers across gravitation, inertia and electromagnetism, including the controversial fourth lecture where Laithwaite used the behavioural gyroscopes in an attempt to challenge the validity of Newton’s Laws of motion and the laws of thermodynamics.
  • The Time Has Come the Walrus Said
    E5
    The Time Has Come the Walrus SaidIn his fifth lecture, Laithwaite uses the concept of analogies (fairy stories) as a way to explain complex topics in science.
  • Its My Own Invention
    E6
    Its My Own InventionIn the final talk of his 1974 Christmas lecture series, Professor Eric Laithwaite explores the concept of scientific invention.

 

  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   

Take Plex everywhere

Watch free anytime, anywhere, on almost any device.
See the full list of supported devices