Book description
The years 1914-18 witnessed the birth of a new form of warfare with
complex trench systems, artillery, small arms, tanks and planes
replacing mass cavalry charges, pitched battles and hand-to-hand
combat. However, it is also known as 'the chemists' war' with the use
of poison gases becoming more widespread as the conflict continued.
Gas! Gas! Quick Boys! explains how chemistry was a key factor in
determining the shape, duration, and outcome of World War I.
Freemantle's book shows how chemistry was exploited not only as a
destructive instrument of war but also how it was used to protect
troops and heal the sick and wounded. The book also describes the
chemicals used as explosives, as chemical warfare agents, and as dyes
for khaki uniforms; the chemicals used to protect against gas attacks
and to treat the sick and wounded; and the metals and alloys used to
manufacture munitions. It answers questions such as: What is cordite?
What is lyddite? What is mustard gas? What is phosgene? What is
gunmetal? This is a true picture of the horrors of the 'Chemists' War'.
Dr Michael Freemantle is a renowned chemist, he was Senior
Correspondent for Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly
magazine of the American Chemical Society and has also been Science
Writer in Residence at Queen's University, Belfast. He has written
numerous books on the history of chemistry and has had a lifelong
fascination with the history of the First World War.
