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.