The Disappearing Spoon Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Elements in Times of War
Summary:
In chapter 5 of the book, it is discussed how some elements were used in war. Like for example, in ancient Greece, when the Spartans try to get the Athenians to leave their own city by gassing them with stinky sulfur. This tactic unfortunately failed, leaving victory of the war for the Athenians. Kean then transitioned into speaking about how elements were used in World War 1 and World War 2. Fritz Haber was a Jewish German chemist who first began using bromine as the major component for the toxic gas he tried to create. However, this didn't work against the French and the Soviet Union due to their windy and cold environments. He didn't give up despite his failure and he later began using chlorine rather than bromine. This new toxic gas prove to be very effective, for when used in war it left many for dead. Not only this, but Haber was able to accidentally create a fertilizer for crops, which proved to be very beneficial for the people. Ironically as it is, Haber soon invented Zyklon A, an insecticide that would soon be tinkered and used on the Jewish people.
Furthermore, the author explains how in War World 1, molybdenum was used in an attempt to strengthen steel guns. The German heard news of a mine where the molybdenum metal was found and they went through great lengths to ensure that they got it. When World War II came around, countries began using tungsten instead of the molybdenum for steel guns. Portugal was able to make a lot of money by selling its tungsten. He then focuses in tantalum and niobium, which is found in Congo. He explains how these two elements both blend together to make coltan. Coltan is used in the creation of phones; thus, creating conflict between people in Congo since they gain money by selling it.

Reflection:
This chapter was very interesting, especially about the effects that elements can cause in war. I thought as though it was beyond ironic when Kean talked about Haber creating a gas that was later used on the Jewish. Reading about the effects of chlorine was really interesting, but at the same time disturbing because I could picture it in my mind. Before reading this chapter, I wasn't aware that coltan was used for making cell phones. I now know that Coptic is created by coltan in Congo. It was also really nice to know about the people creating weapons for war with the elements.

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