Gilbert Chemistry Set A.C. Gilbert Co., New Haven, Conn., 1920s “Today’s Adventures in Science Will Create Tomorrow’s America”

Sodium cyanide, NaCN

Erector Set inventor A.C. Gilbert actually sold kids this chemistry set with sodium cyanide, the stuff of suicide capsules and murder most foul. “Deadly stuff in pretty small doses,” says Thompson, “just like potassium cyanide. It also reacts with acids to form hydrogen cyanide gas, which is also deadly. This isn’t something kids should be messing with. It’s so toxic that it’d have been insane to include it, even back when things were a lot more relaxed.” »DIY: It’s sold by some photography suppliers, but its transport is heavily regulated.

Gilbert No. U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
A.C. Gilbert Co., New Haven, Conn., 1950s
“Most Modern Scientific Set Ever Created!”

Radioactive uranium ores, UO₂ and others

These 4 small samples of carnotite, autunite, torbernite, and uraninite emitted alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. The set also had a Geiger counter, a cloud chamber to see the paths of alpha particles, and an electroscope and spinthariscope for detecting radioactivity and decay. »DIY: “Readily available,” says Thompson. “United Nuclear sells small chunks of various (slightly) radioactive ores and minerals. They present no real danger, although they shouldn’t be ingested and it’s a good idea to handle them only with gloves and tongs.”

Photography courtesy of A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village

Gilbert Chemistry Set

A.C. Gilbert Co., New Haven, Conn., c. 1920s

Glass blowing kit

A.C. Gilbert strikes again. Sand (silicon dioxide) melts at 3, 100°F. But if you add soda ash (sodium carbonate) and powdered limestone (calcium carbonate), it melts into glass at just 1,600°F. Still, that’s 1,600°F, kids. Mind your fingers. »DIY: Readymade lab glassware is sold by suppliers like Elemental Scientific (see Resources).

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