Eb hirschburg and louis fezer started experimenting with incendiary gells in the forties. When a viscous gell burns, it does not become fluid, but retains its viscous, sticky consistency. The experience suggested the idea of a bomb would scatter large burning globs of sticky jell. And that's what they ultimately hit upon with napalm.
Basement laboratories. Mad scientists. Sticky gels, and a bake-off in the desert. The strange story behind Curtis LeMay’s weapon of choice. Part two.
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