Most studies of modern chemical warfare begin with World War I and the widespread use of poison gas by both sides in the conflict. However, as Guy R. Hasegawa reveals in this study, numerous chemical agents were proposed and prepared during the Civil War era. Although bureaucrats in the war departments of both armies either delayed or rejected outright most of these unusual weapons, viewing them as unneeded or unworkable. Nevertheless, many of the proposed armaments presaged the widespread use of chemical weapons in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. -- From the publisher.

Foreword / Bill J. Gurley -- Improvements in Warlike Instrumentalities -- Greek Fire, American Style -- The Torch for the Torch -- No Living Being Will Escape -- Portending the Green Cloud -- Insinuating Dust -- Prostrated by Inhaling It -- Destroying Fluids -- Fire and Brimstone -- Sharp Horrors of Sundry Weapons -- Vulgar Poisons in Honourable Warfare -- Glossary.