Today's society has witnessed the use of chemical weapons on various groups of people. A prime example is the use of poisonous gas in Syria. (http://fair.org/take-action/action-alerts/iraq-then-syria-now) Chemical weapons were made by chemists to cause great harm. Typically, a chemical weapon is defined by chemists as any toxic chemical substance or its precursor that can cause death, injury, temporary incapacitation, or sensory irritation through its chemical action. Because of the destruction caused by the use of chemical weapons, society has sought to place controls on their use with development. Over the years, many treaties and conventions have been developed in an attempt to control the use of chemical and biological warfare. (http://www.opcw.org/newspublications/history) of the history, development and use of chemical and biological weapons in modern society. Contrary to popular belief, the history of the use of chemical and biological warfare dates back to ancient and classical times. Ancient evidence points to Hannibal's use of jars filled with snakes in a battle with the NAVY of King Eumenes of Pergamon. The vessels were thrown onto the ships' decks, where they broke and the Pergamens were forced to fight both the serpents and Hannibal's armed forces, resulting in a loss for Hannibal's men. Further evidence is documented in the fact that Solon of Athens is said to have used hellebore roots (a purgative) to poison the water of an aqueduct leading from the Pleistrus River around 590 BC during the siege of Cyrrha. Writings of the Mohist sect in China dating back to the 4th century BC tell of the use of oxhide bellows to pump smoke from furnaces with...... middle of paper......clear states of weapons: there are there were about 100 wars in the next 60 years. (http://www.hampshire.edu/academics/22169.htm) Of the three types of weapons used to harm others, people can somewhat prepare for their own protection in the case of chemical and biological weapons, but one can do little to prepare for the wrath of nuclear weapons. The best way to protect yourself in the event of chemical or biological weapons is to learn about them. You need to remember to stay calm, don't panic, seek higher ground, look for open spaces or seek an independent air supply, use your senses of touch, taste and smell and above all use common sense. Have a radio with working batteries and keep up to date with the news. Pay attention to Civil Protection warnings and think before acting. (Chemical weapons and war agents, Helmenstine, Anne Marie)