Ep 7. Strange Weapons

Modern Marvels is a documentary television series that explores fascinating aspects of modern man-made technology. The show delves into how human ingenuity has created incredible feats of engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and science. Season 15 episode 7 of Modern Marvels is titled "Strange Weapons," and it takes a look at some of the weirdest and most unexpected weapons ever created by human beings.

The episode kicks off by introducing the idea that throughout history, humans have always looked for ways to protect themselves from danger and harm. From the caveman wielding a club to the medieval knight with a sword, humans have come a long way in terms of weapon technology. The host then explains that this episode is all about weapons that were designed to be especially strange, unusual, or even goofy.

The first strange weapon on the show is the Puckle Gun. Invented in the late 17th century by an Englishman named James Puckle, the Puckle Gun was a prototype machine gun that was ahead of its time. It had a large cylinder that could hold up to 11 rounds, which would be fired in rapid succession by turning a crank. The Puckle Gun was intended to be used as a defense against pirate attacks, but it never really caught on.

In contrast, the next weapon is an underwater gun, which has become famous. The Special Operations Executive of the United Kingdom developed the weapon, the Welrod Pistol, during World War II. The weapon was known for its silence and could shoot underwater. The Welrod Pistol was used by British commandos for high-stakes missions and in espionage operations.

The episode then moves to the next weapon, a bizarre-looking item called the Gurkha blade. Named after the Nepalese Gurkha warriors, this sword is designed for close combat. With a curved blade that's over a foot long, it can be deadly in the right hands. The sword is also known for its unique shape, which gives it an impressive aesthetic appeal.

Moving on from swords, the show takes an unexpected turn by looking at a weapon that wasn't designed for battle at all, but it was used in warfare. The weapon in question is the Stink Bomb, used in the World War I. These were small spherical containers that would emit a foul-smelling vapor that hung in the air for a long time. The idea was to use it against enemy troops, making them too nauseous to fight. The Stink Bomb was initially deployed by the Germans, but it was quickly picked up by the Allies as well.

The next weapon is even more bizarre. It's a type of rocket called The Bat Bomb invented in World War II. The device was a little more than a bomb with a hollow shell containing 1000 bats. The bats, outfitted with small incendiary devices, would be released over a city at dusk. Over time, the bats would roost in the buildings, and the incendiaries would ignite causing massive and widespread damage. The Bat Bomb was never put to use in the war, however.

The show then shifts its focus to the present day and shares information on some contemporary weapons, that are being used by the militaries. One such device that the show discusses is an exoskeleton was developed by the US Military to improve combat performance. The exoskeleton, in essence, gives soldiers the ability to lift extraordinary weight and walk far longer distances than before, in spite of fatigue and strength stress.

The final weapon explored, while perhaps not as strange as some of the others on the show, is quite remarkable in its own right. The weapon is a microwave gun that emits high-frequency energy that can make you feel that your skin is on fire. The purpose of this weapon is for non-lethal crowd control. While it may sound inhumane, it has been designed as a safer alternative to using lethal force. It is hoped this way, for example, riots or stampedes can be de-escalated without causing injuries.

To sum it up, season 15 episode 7, "Strange Weapons," of Modern Marvels, takes a unique approach by looking at some of the most bizarre and unusual weapons ever created. From Puckle Guns to Stink Bombs to Bat Bombs to exoskeletons and microwave guns, the show covers all of them. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of military technology, or just plain curious, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat.