BluVelvet
Rookie
I agree with you on this one. Personally I find it hard to believe that the Japanese scientists were completely unaware that seawater contained more salts than just plain ol' sodium chloride. As mentioned, any high school chemistry student at the time would know that the calcium atoms in calcium salts, for example, would bind to the red blood cells and cause clumping. Ever notice when you're in hospital and receive an IV, you're getting normal saline (sodium chloride) which is an isotonic solution? Too much, though, can cause metabolic acidosis by destroying red blood cells.Im not going to split hairs. For whatever reason, they performed cruel experiments. You can think whatever you like.
Oh, safe use of such solutions has been documented since the late 1800's in Europe. I think these people were just sick fucks myself. It's an island nation with few resources, but a shitload of seawater.