In the years of 1950, a time marked by innovation and fascination with science, something surprisingly peculiar was for sale: a toy kit containing uranium.
Although it may seem unbelievable, the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory was commercialized for two years, becoming one of the most popular exploration products of its time. scientific.
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controversial toy
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According to information from the Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, located in the United States, the toy was not the first “atomic” item intended for children, but it stood out as a sophisticated and elaborate kit.
Manufactured by Gilbert Toys, the kit was released in two distinct versions. The first, introduced in 1950, had a beige case, while the second, more common, found its way into the 1951 catalog, appearing in a red box.
The contents were equally impressive, containing four types of uranium, as well as an electroscope - an instrument used to identify the presence of electric charge in objects — and a Geiger counter — applied to measure the radiation.
Although it was not possible to carry out nuclear reactions with the kit, the components emitted radiation, arousing curiosity and interest in understanding the mysteries of science.
However, in 1952, the product was replaced with an alternative atomic power set, containing less uranium.
One of the main reasons for this exchange was the high price of the original kit, which was sold for US$ 50 each unit, a significant value for the time.
Other copies
In addition to the Atomic Energy Laboratory, the 1950s also saw the emergence of other toys related to radioactive elements. A notable example is the “Atomic FireBall” bullet, released by the Ferrara Pan brand between 1960 and 1970.
With a box that made reference to the explosion of atomic bombs, the candy was a testament to the historical context, recalling the explosions that marked the end of World War II, in 1945.
Although quirky and sometimes controversial in today's eyes, the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory kit remains a reflection of an era when science and exploration were celebrated in unusual and different.
