Back-Breaking Science

About this episode

The episode discusses JBS Haldane's self-experimentation following the sinking of a British sub.

When a British sub sank with all hands, JBS Haldane volunteered to investigate by experimenting on himself—even if it meant losing his own life in the process. (Part 2 of 2.) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

People in this episode

Host: Sam Kean

Topics covered

• science
• history
• experimentation
• self-experimentation
• British sub
• investigation

Keywords

• JBS Haldane
• self-experimentation
• British sub
• science history
• investigation

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• The Making of the “Flat Earth” Myth · May 12, 2026 · 17 min
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