During the war the Germans manufactured about 14 million 'Blue Cross' toxic smoke shell, and expected to secure great results because of the ineffective masks then in use by the Allies. Some casualties are caused and a few deaths. A very efficient mask is required for protection.

Toxic smokes in exceedingly low concentrations cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and throat, the effect being much like that produced by red pepper. Such gases are efficient agents with which to control mobs or for use against an army without masks. Effective tear gases are known which produce no casualties and no deaths. Gas masks afford efficient protection, but a man without a mask is helpless. Lachrymatory compounds, commonly known as tear gases, force the closing of the eyes. These can be roughly divided, according to the effect produced, into four classes. Her troops were poorly protected against gas, however, and suffered heavily the gas casualties in the Russian armies have been estimated at 475,000, of which 11.7 percent resulted in death. As regards Russia the facts are very uncertain. The gas casualties produced have been estimated at 534,000 for France, Great Britain, the United States, Italy and Germany, and of those casualties approximately 4.2 percent resulted in death. In order that our conclusions regarding chemical warfare may be sane, we must study the facts disclosed by experience.ĭuring the World War a total of about 100,000 tons of gas was used by the various nations involved. If individuals and statesmen desire disarmament, and are willing to examine the facts carefully, then material reduction of expensive armaments can probably be secured without sacrifice of national security. In many cases the influence of local interests is the only factor preventing the closing of navy yards, fortifications and army posts no longer really needed for defensive purposes. Surprise attacks become more difficult, and modern transportation facilities enable both armies and armaments to be shifted rapidly to meet any new attack. Mine fields, submarines and aircraft can now aid in giving protection to harbors, with the result that expensive coastal fortifications have become less necessary.

It is axiomatic that every effort should be made to prevent war but if war cannot be prevented, then it is very much better for the world that when it comes it should be fought with weapons that have not required an immense outlay of funds during years of peace. It is fortunate for the world that two of these - aëroplanes and gas - are bound up with the development of the industries of the world. science, poetry, and imagination.THREE new and powerful weapons of warfare were developed in the World War - aëroplanes, gas and submarines. science, poetry, and imagination.” -The Atlanta Journal & Constitution A beautiful, interesting book.” -United Press International “Fascinating, evocative, inspiring.” - The Washington Post Lavishly illustrated with photographs and specially commissioned full-color paintings, Comet is an enthralling adventure, indispensable for anyone who has ever gazed up at the heavens and wondered why. Were the fates of the dinosaurs and the origins of humans tied to the wanderings of a comet? Are comets the building blocks from which worlds are formed? The authors show how comets have spurred some of the great discoveries in the history of science and raise intriguing questions about these brilliant visitors from the interstellar dark. Pulitzer Prize-winning astronomer Carl Sagan, author of Cosmos and Contact, and writer Ann Druyan explore the origin, nature, and future of comets, and the exotic myths and portents attached to them.

What are these graceful visitors to our skies? We now know that they bring both life and death and teach us about our origins.Ĭomet begins with a breathtaking journey through space astride a comet.

Carl sagan contact book pdf