
Why did Oliver Sacks love the periodic table so much?
Clip: 4/9/2021 | 1m 11sVideo has Closed Captions
He even incorporated it into his wardrobe.
The renowned physician and writer Oliver Sacks was known for his amazing empathy for other people. But his first “friends” as a child, as he described, were not people but numbers, minerals, metals, and plants. He loved these things throughout his life and even incorporated them into his wardrobe.
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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

Why did Oliver Sacks love the periodic table so much?
Clip: 4/9/2021 | 1m 11sVideo has Closed Captions
The renowned physician and writer Oliver Sacks was known for his amazing empathy for other people. But his first “friends” as a child, as he described, were not people but numbers, minerals, metals, and plants. He loved these things throughout his life and even incorporated them into his wardrobe.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
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Explore the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller Oliver Sacks. (2m 2s)
What made physician Oliver Sacks unique?
Video has Closed Captions
He used storytelling to connect people with great challenges "back into the world." (1m 26s)
What pushed Oliver Sacks’ brother towards psychosis?
Video has Closed Captions
Sacks wondered if he might be next. (1m 7s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...