Recounts the story of Joseph Priestley--scientist and theologian, protege of Benjamin Franklin--an 18th-century radical thinker who played pivotal roles in the invention of ecosystem science, the founding of the Unitarian Church, and the intellectual development of the U.S.

The vortex -- The electricians -- Rose and nightshade -- Intermezzo: an island of coal -- The wild gas -- A Comet in the system.