Lewisite, an arsenic-based blistering agent, was developed in secret by American chemists during World World I. It was believed at the time to be much more lethal than mustard gas and capable of winning the war for the Allies. Although production was not completed in time to be used during that war, lewisite continued to be manufactured by the US and other countries throughout much of the 20th Century. Both the US and Russia are currently in the process of eliminating their lewisite stockpiles, which has proven to be difficult and costly because of the environmental hazards associated with arsenic.

Bio Sketch
Dr. Vilensky received his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in 1972, his Master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1974, and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1979.

His research interests in neuronal systems led him to co-author Dew of Death, a book about some chemical nerve agents.

Vilensky is interested in determining how differently-aged (sized) individuals within a species compare in their locomotor behavior, e.g., children vs. adults, and in the biomechanics of primate locomotion. These analyses contribute to a greater understanding of the locomotor adaptations of various primate species. By studying the changes in the gaits used by animals across different conditions (e.g. speed, growth, inclination) it is possible to infer certain principles that the central nervous system uses to control locomotion.

Resarch funding is currently by NIH