Gas! Gas! Quick, Boys

May 6, 2013
Were it not for “advances in chemistry,” the First World War “would have been much shorter and the death toll substantially reduced,” argues Freemantle in this solid, accessible survey. The British science writer, who has a number of academic chemistry–centric titles under his belt, demonstrates how much of the technology used during WWI, including explosives, propellants, and grenades, depended on chemistry. But when most folks talk about chemistry in WWI, they think of gas warfare. It remains one of the great, horrific legacies of the War to End All Wars. Freemantle analyzes the spectrum of chemical agents and discusses the pros and cons of chemical warfare—gas caused relatively few casualties, but it devastated morale. Mustard gas, he insists, was “the worst of the chemical warfare agents used in the First World War... and at least the most effective” in terms of incapacitating soldiers. But Freemantle is quick to note that for all the suffering inflicted by chemical warfare, chemistry also brought about antiseptics, anesthetics, and disinfectants, each of which played a crucial role in battlefield care and beyond. War chemistry was indeed a sharp double-edged sword. Photos.

September 1, 2013

Chemist Freemantle (former senior correspondent, Chemical & Engineering News; Chemistry in Action) has drawn from both the historical and scientific record to present a compelling overview of the chemical innovations and consequences on both sides of World War I. Along with lethal gases (chlorine, mustard, and phosgene), he covers other manifestations, such as the massive amounts of chemicals used in the manufacture of ammunition and explosives (e.g., hand grenades and land mines). There were positive applications of chemical advances as well, such as the use of disinfectants, the advent of natural opiate painkillers and aspirin for the wounded, and even the improvements in dyes for uniforms. Freemantle succeeds in showing how the war itself drove innovation even as it supported warring practices from previous eras. Designed for the layperson, this combination of science and history is an intriguing study. A more academically oriented title that also addresses matters of international relations and policy is L.F. Haber's The Poisonous Cloud: Chemical Warfare in the First World War. VERDICT Highly recommended for science enthusiasts, students of World War I, and those wishing to more seamlessly connect science and history.--Elizabeth A. Brown, Binghamton Univ. Libs., NY

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2013

The innovations and consequences of advances in chemistry employed during the war on both sides, from lethal gases to explosives, disinfectants, opiate pain killers, and beyond. (LJ 9/1/13)

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.