Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab (1950-1951) |
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This was the most elaborate Atomic Energy educational set ever produced, but it was only only available from 1951 to 1952. Its relatively high price for the time ($50.00) and its sophistication were the explanation Gilbert gave for the set's short lifespan. Today, it is so highly prized by collectors that a complete set can go for more than 100 times the original price. |
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| The set came with 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."
Other Gilbert sets (e.g., the No. 11 Atomic Energy set) continued to carry the spinthariscope, the ore and the manual. In addition, the Geiger counter could be purchased separately. |
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| Thanks to Bill Kolb
for this extraordinarily generous and wonderful donation!
References Frame, P. and Kolb, W. Living with Radiation: the First Hundred Years. Fourth edition. 2006. |
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