A scattering of ashes.

Carl Djerassi (1923-), described here as the originator of the oral contraceptive, talks about his life and work. Archive film clips illustrate his narration. The child of Viennese refugees to the USA, he became a sythetic organic chemist in 1938 and developed a synthetic root to cortisone, increasing its availability for the treatment of arthritis and related conditions. He synthesised progesterone with the aim of developing treatments for menstrual disorders and some forms of cancer, an achievement which led to the development of the first contraceptive pill. In the late 1970s a personal tragedy, combined with his interest in the arts, prompted him to set up the Djerassi Foundation in San Francisco for composers, painters and choreographers. Now facing the closure of his laboratory, Prof. Djerassi is turning to writing and has already produced one novel.