In 1951, American toy-maker A.C. Gilbert created the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab. Gilbert worked with scientists at M.I.T to develop an educational toy kit.

The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab came with a radiation counter, a spinthariscope in order to see “live” radioactive disintegration, four samples of Uranium-bearing ores, and an electroscope to measure radioactivity. Not only was this toy dangerous and exposed kids to possible radiation poisoning, it was also super expensive—it cost $49.50, which today is over $300.

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