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Rare, complete example of the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory in its original reed suitcase, measuring 25˝ x 16.5˝ x 5˝, created by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, known for his development of the Erector Set and popular chemistry kits. The laboratory kit contains a cloud chamber allowing the viewer to watch alpha particles traveling at 12,000 miles per second, a spinthariscope showing the results of radioactive disintegration on a fluorescent screen, and an electroscope measuring the radioactivity of different substances in the set: carnotite, autunite, torbernite, and uraninite.
Includes the original "Gilbert Atomic Energy Manual," a "Prospecting for Uranium" guide published by the US Atomic Energy Commission and US Geological Survey, and a "Dagwood Splits the Atom" instructional comic book. Also includes a letter from the A. C. Gilbert Co., dated September 25, 1953, referring to the "Atomic Energy Lab," in part: "We regret exceedingly to advise you that we have discontinued manufacturing this Laboratory and it was very difficult to obtain some of the materials and also due to Government Restrictions." In very good to fine condition, with some scuffing to the case.
Produced only in 1950 and 1951, with fewer than 5000 sold total, this set is extremely rare, and highly coveted. In 2006, the pop culture publication Radar Magazine called the lab set one of 'the 10 most dangerous toys of all time' because of the radioactive material it included. The professional journal IEEE Spectrum published a more-detailed review in 2020, discussing the kit in the context of the history of science education kits and safety concerns. It described the likely radiation exposure as 'minimal, about the equivalent to a day’s UV exposure from the sun,' provided that the radioactive samples were not removed from their containers, in compliance with the warnings in the kit instructions.
