Originally posted by Mac4Lyfe
When I think of cancer, I think of Fritz Haber. Haber was a chemist that produced industrial fertilizer that ended up feeding millions of people and ended famine in over a third of the world. He should be world famous for the millions of people he continues to save to this day but he is most well known for Mustard Gas. He created this chemical war gas that ended up killing millions of soldiers in WWI. In another twist of fate, mustard gas is the main agent in chemotherapy to kill cells, including cancer cells. Fritz helped save millions from famine and cancer but is most known for the many he killed on the battle field.
One hundred years ago a great conflict began that would change the world forever. World War I, also known as the Great War, would leave 17 million people dead or missing in action. Stuck in the squalid conditions of the trenches, it was a living hell for those on the front line.
But it was made even worse by the work of industrial chemists.
In July 1917, troops based in Ypres, Belgium, reported a shimmering cloud around their feet and a strange peppery smell in the air. Within 24 hours they started to itch uncontrollably and developed horrific blisters and sores. Some started coughing up blood.
A poppy field
They’d been poisoned by mustard gas – one of the most deadly chemical weapons deployed in battle.
And because mustard gas can be absorbed through the skin, gas masks were useless. Even fully clothed soldiers weren’t fully protected. It could take up to six weeks to die from mustard gas, and it was a terrible way to die.
Towards the end of the Great War, this gas had not only killed and crippled but instilled terror across the battlefield. The first use in Ypres alone left up to 10,000 people dead, with many more injured.
One hundred years ago a great conflict began that would change the world forever. World War I, also known as the Great War, would leave 17 million people dead or missing in action. Stuck in the squalid conditions of the trenches, it was a living hell for those on the front line.
But it was made even worse by the work of industrial chemists.
In July 1917, troops based in Ypres, Belgium, reported a shimmering cloud around their feet and a strange peppery smell in the air. Within 24 hours they started to itch uncontrollably and developed horrific blisters and sores. Some started coughing up blood.
A poppy fieldThey’d been poisoned by mustard gas – one of the most deadly chemical weapons deployed in battle.
And because mustard gas can be absorbed through the skin, gas masks were useless. Even fully clothed soldiers weren’t fully protected. It could take up to six weeks to die from mustard gas, and it was a terrible way to die.
Towards the end of the Great War, this gas had not only killed and crippled but instilled terror across the battlefield. The first use in Ypres alone left up to 10,000 people dead, with many more injured.
You're a good fukker for this post.