Saturday, October 04, 2008

They Just Don't Make Toys Like They Used To



In 1951, A.C. Gilbert introduced his U-238 Atomic Energy Lab, a radioactive learning set we can only assume was fun for the whole class or family. Gilbert, who was "often compared to Walt Disney for his creative genius," had a dream that nuclear power could capture the imaginations of kids everywhere. For a mere $49.50, the kit came complete with three "low-level" radioactive sources, a Geiger-Mueller radiation counter, a Wilson Cloud Chamber (to see paths of alpha particles), a Spinthariscope (to see "live" radioactive disintegration), four samples of Uranium-bearing ores, and an Electroscope to measure radioactivity. And what nuclear lab for kids would be complete without an Atomic Energy Manual and Learn How Dagwood Splits the Atom book? written with the help of General Leslie Groves, director of the Manhattan Project. Junior physicists had everything they needed, except a hazmat suit. Sadly, the toy was only sold for one year... HT: http://www.bgsu.edu/

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