the Gilbert Atomic Energy kit - for kids who want to be scientists
Back in 1951, if you’re kid wanted to be a scientist and you could afford the then pricey $50, you might have bought them this, the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab. Only available until 1952 it had everything you needed to make nuclear energy: Four types of uranium ore, a beta-alpha source (Pb-210), a pure beta source (Ru-106), a gamma source (Zn-65?), a spinthariscope, a cloud chamber with its own short-lived alpha source (Po-210), an electroscope, a geiger counter, a manual, a comic book (Dagwood Splits the Atom) and a government manual “Prospecting for Uranium.”
It only lasted on shelves for about a year but if you have one now it can get you up to $5,000 from collectors. Such an amazing thing, to think way back then we thought it was a good idea to let kids play with uranium. My, how we’ve progressed. Source.
