Changes

A simple, relatively light form of [[armor]], '''chain mail''' was one of the main forms of defense during the [[Middle Ages]]. As opposed to the heavier, more protective plate armor, chain mail consists of various interlocking links throughout. Chain mail was never designed to completely protect the wearer, as the energy of a blow would be transferred into the body with minimal resistance, leading to fractured and broken bones. The purpose of chain mail was to deflect glancing blows and to protect the body from cuts and gashes, which it excelled at. A strike from a sword would be able to break a bone, but the medicine of the time was sufficient enough to set and heal a broken bone (although not perfectly). An open wound, however, was likely to become infected, which the doctors of the time were not able to reliably treat. Chain mail became obsolete after the construction of firearms, which made the armor entirely useless.  

A simple, relatively light form of [[armor]], '''chain mail''' was one of the main forms of defense during the [[Middle Ages]]. As opposed to the heavier, more protective plate armor, chain mail consists of various interlocking links throughout. Chain mail was never designed to completely protect the wearer, as the energy of a blow would be transferred into the body with minimal resistance, leading to fractured and broken bones. The purpose of chain mail was to deflect glancing blows and to protect the body from cuts and gashes, which it excelled at. A strike from a sword would be able to break a bone, but the medicine of the time was sufficient enough to set and heal a broken bone (although not perfectly). An open wound, however, was likely to become infected, which the doctors of the time were not able to reliably treat. Chain mail became obsolete after the construction of firearms, which made the armor entirely useless.  

During [[World War One]], experiments were carried out to determine whether or not chain mail would be an effective bulletproof material. Testing proved that chain mail actually increased the damage a bullet caused to a body, by fragmenting and carrying more metal into the wound. Chain mail did, however, find limited use in masks designed to prevent shrapnel damage, which proved effective in testing but in practice were unpopular with soldiers due to the appearance and weight.

During [[World War One]], experiments were carried out to determine whether or not chain mail would be an effective bulletproof material. Testing proved that chain mail actually increased the damage a bullet caused to a body, by fragmenting and carrying more metal into the wound. Chain mail did, however, find limited use in masks designed to prevent shrapnel damage, which proved effective in testing but in practice were unpopular with soldiers due to the appearance and weight.

In more recent times, modernised chain mail can be seen in protective gloves for butchers and others who use sharp cutting tools, as well as in shark-proof diving suits.

In more recent times, modernised chain mail can be seen in protective gloves for butchers and others who use sharp cutting tools, as well as in shark-proof diving suits.