The 2018 attacks in Salisbury using a Novichok nerve agent horrified the nation and underlined the incredible toxicity of these deliberately created chemicals, but what is the history of their discovery and development? This illustrated talk looks at how what started as an effort to benefit mankind was taken and pursued towards far more terrible ends when this class of chemicals was discovered and weaponised. Significant individuals in the story are highlighted together with examples of when these agents have been unleashed. Interestingly, mankind has benefitted greatly as originally intended, but not without questionable downsides. Length of talk 50 to 60 minutes. Adaptable by arrangement.
Views: 1456 | Enquiries: 5My working life was spent as an industrial chemist and I have enjoyed a variety of other interests about which I now make presentations. I’ve always been particularly fascinated by the ingenuity and brilliance of humans over history to develop resources and shape them to our own needs, be it for great good or to terrible ends, and sometimes for both, as accepted wisdom and circumstances have often changed over time and we view the world differently. Operating within about one hour’s drive from home, I nowadays present a variety of illustrated talks - long, short or emergency notice is possible - on various topics with, when appropriate, a degree of humour attached. I have found that I rather look forward to questions from my audience at the end of the talks as they can often reveal some fascinating further details and discussion. It’s good to meet and talk!
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