Barium

By John Emsley2014-09-10T00:00:00

Source: © Science Photo Library

John Emsley looks at an element that, despite first appearances, has some interesting applications

First isolated in 1808 by Humphry Davy, barium is a toxic metal with a few surprising uses, including preserving works of art.

Toxic in humans but used in medicine, existant in our bodies but only needed by large, single-cell algae. John Emsley explores the element behind glowing stones, beet sugar and fireworks.

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