Season 1 · Episode 21
The Apothecary Diaries · S1E21
Aired on March 3, 2024
Science entries in this episode
Clinical Signs
In The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao reads Lihaku's body without him saying a word. We explain clinical semiology and the art of diagnosis by observation.
Gluten
In The Apothecary Diaries, wheat-flour glue illustrates gluten. We explain glutenins, gliadins, viscoelasticity, and celiac disease.
Kudzu
Its root gives kuzu, a thickening starch, and ge gen, a fever remedy. Why an over-strong infusion turns to glue, and why the vine invades everything outside Asia.
Papermaking
In The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao diagnoses crumbly paper. We explain papermaking, cellulose, and Cai Lun's invention.
Sugar and Confectionery
Sucrose, crystallization, the states of cooked sugar, and sugar preservation: the chemistry behind the confections mentioned in The Apothecary Diaries.