I was looking at the Ancient History of Chemical Warfare and considering why it was not more effective at the time. We know on OTL that it was of some effectiveness to be known and used again and again but not a ‘main weapon’. My first thoughts were that the LD50 (or deadliness) of the substances being used was so low that they were only useful if they were employed in a few niche applications: confined space like countermining or surprise or harassing. I thought that the advances in chemistry of the 1700s would be necessary for the truly “useful” agents. But looking at the toxic smokes and the resources available to the users at the time I began to consider the lack of protective equipment. If the agent is very lethal or lachrymatory or blistering then it is cumbersome thing. What is your motivation besides the niches listed above to unleash or even develop an effective agent?
What if: you developed a protective mask and other equipment?
You’d be safe if the wind changed and be able to fight in it and exploit the effects of the contaminated environment. Technologically a charcoal mask, transparent visor of glass or perhaps of sheer cloth smeared with grease, adequate clothing to cover and seal exposed skin for protection do not require new developments. There are a few hints in Ancient Rome and Greece of respirators being used in mining.
How could history of been nudged if the Chinese with their history of using Arsenical Smokes had confronted the Mongols as they became ill with fresh protected troops?
My central question is: is it feasible / plausible? How would you make it feasible (if you time traveled there for instance)
What technology/scientific advancement would it have spawned?
I imagine a new focus on poisons and antidotes/protection, meteorology, humidity? Perhaps learning to protect food & water and to use chemical warfare strategically in sieges?
Would it have made a difference in China or say Rome?
What if: you developed a protective mask and other equipment?
You’d be safe if the wind changed and be able to fight in it and exploit the effects of the contaminated environment. Technologically a charcoal mask, transparent visor of glass or perhaps of sheer cloth smeared with grease, adequate clothing to cover and seal exposed skin for protection do not require new developments. There are a few hints in Ancient Rome and Greece of respirators being used in mining.
How could history of been nudged if the Chinese with their history of using Arsenical Smokes had confronted the Mongols as they became ill with fresh protected troops?
My central question is: is it feasible / plausible? How would you make it feasible (if you time traveled there for instance)
What technology/scientific advancement would it have spawned?
I imagine a new focus on poisons and antidotes/protection, meteorology, humidity? Perhaps learning to protect food & water and to use chemical warfare strategically in sieges?
Would it have made a difference in China or say Rome?