Episode Summary: Kids' Chemistry Sets: KABOOM!

Podcast Title: Stuff You Should Know
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: Kids' Chemistry Sets: KABOOM!

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into the fascinating history and evolution of chemistry sets designed for children. From their origins in the 18th century to their decline in popularity due to safety concerns, Josh and Chuck explore how these kits have shaped young minds and the field of chemistry itself.

Historical Origins of Chemistry Sets

Early Beginnings (18th Century)

• 00:51-04:12: The discussion begins with the roots of chemistry sets, tracing them back to Johann Friedrich August Gutling's "A Portable Chest of Chemistry" in 1789. Initially intended for university students and professional chemists, these early sets were comprehensive, containing 35 chemicals, a balance for weighing, a mortar and pestle, and a booklet with 150 experiments.

  Notable Quote:

  Chuck Bryant [03:28]: "This is a pretty fun one. We're going to talk about the history of chemistry sets which, believe it or not, go back to the 18th century when they were called chemical chests."

Transition to Amusement

• 04:18-08:42: By the early 19th century, chemistry sets began incorporating elements of showmanship and magic to make them more appealing. Chemist Frederick Ackham introduced "Accum's Chest of Chemical Amusement," blending scientific experiments with entertaining demonstrations, a trend mirrored by public figures like Faraday.

  Notable Quote:

  Chuck Bryant [07:24]: "A lot of legit Nobel winning chemists over the years got their start in chemistry sets."

Chemistry Sets for Kids: The 20th Century Boom

Marketing to Young Boys

• 09:00-13:30: Entering the 20th century, chemistry sets were aggressively marketed towards young boys as the first step toward becoming professional chemists. Companies like Chemcraft and Gilbert became prominent players, with sets priced between $1.50 to $10 (equivalent to $40 to $300 today). These kits featured robust materials such as glass test tubes and metal scales, and included comprehensive manuals with exciting experiments like the "Combination of Elements" and "Fire Ink."

  Notable Quote:

  Josh Clark [33:16]: "So they started selling even better than they ever had before."

Gender Segregation in Marketing

• 27:50-32:12: The hosts highlight the inherent sexism in early chemistry sets, noting that products were explicitly marketed to boys, with little to no consideration for girls. Even when sets for girls were introduced, they were often relegated to making perfumes rather than fostering an interest in chemistry.

  Notable Quote:

  Chuck Bryant [27:56]: "Gilbert chemistry sets are not intended for children who cannot read and understand the accompanying instruction books."

Safety Concerns and Regulatory Changes

Dangers of Early Chemistry Sets

• 19:05-22:52: Josh and Chuck discuss the hazardous chemicals included in early sets, such as iodine solution, ammonium nitrate, and sodium cyanide, which posed serious health and safety risks. Experiments often involved making flammable substances, smoke bombs, and even rudimentary chemical weapons.

  Notable Quote:

  Josh Clark [20:27]: "You could make gunpowder... you could make a chemical weapon in your bedroom if you knew what you were doing."

Lack of Safety Gear

• 20:33-22:12: Early chemistry sets lacked essential safety equipment like goggles, increasing the risk of accidents. The manuals did include some safety warnings, but these were often insufficient given the dangerous nature of the experiments.

  Notable Quote:

  Chuck Bryant [30:04]: "Knocking on the door and being, like, still alive in there."

Legislation and Decline

• 40:39-43:25: Growing awareness of the dangers associated with chemistry sets led to stricter regulations in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Child Protection Act of 1966 allowed for the banning of hazardous toys, contributing to a sharp decline in the popularity and sales of traditional chemistry sets.

  Notable Quote:

  Chuck Bryant [41:15]: "The US department of Health, Education and Welfare, they estimated that toys, just all toys, caused about 700,000 injuries a year."

Modern Chemistry Sets and Legacy

Watered-Down Kits

• 42:10-44:33: In response to safety concerns, manufacturers began producing chemistry sets with non-hazardous ingredients, such as vinegar and baking soda, and removed dangerous chemicals. These modern kits often included safety goggles and simplified experiments, making them more suitable for children but less challenging for aspiring chemists.

  Notable Quote:

  Josh Clark [44:33]: "And a folded up nanny who came out of the box to hover while all these experiments are going on."

Nostalgia and Continued Interest

• 46:13-49:06: Despite the decline, there has been a resurgence of interest in chemistry sets among homeschoolers and science enthusiasts. Premium sets like the Chem C 3000 offer advanced experiments for a higher price, aiming to reignite the passion for chemistry in the younger generation.

  Notable Quote:

  Chuck Bryant [46:43]: "Pretty neat. I also saw one other reason that chemistry sets kind of got watered down over the years are meth labs."

Enduring Impact

• 41:52-43:25: The hosts emphasize the lasting influence of chemistry sets on many successful scientists and chemists. Renowned figures like Oliver Sacks credited chemistry sets for inspiring their interest in science, underscoring the educational value these kits provided despite their risks.

  Notable Quote:

  Oliver Sacks [Recorded Quote]: "I do not think there can be any adequate substitute for having a chemistry set or a little chemistry lab and doing experiments oneself, thinking them out, taking responsibility for them, and occasionally facing risks too."

Cultural Reflections and Personal Anecdotes

Sexism in Science Education

• 30:04-32:12: The conversation touches on the broader issue of sexism in science education, noting that efforts to encourage girls into chemistry often fell short, assigning them to less rigorous and less scientifically relevant activities.

  Notable Quote:

  Josh Clark [31:57]: "A lab technician, yeah... they weren't encouraging you to, like, reach for the stars and become a scientist."

Personal Stories and Listener Mail

• 47:23-49:45: The episode concludes with heartfelt listener contributions, including Chuck Bryant sharing his personal experiences and the positive impact the podcast has had on his life. These anecdotes add a human touch to the discussion, highlighting the personal connections listeners have with the content.

  Notable Quote:

  Chuck Bryant [47:13]: "Hey, everybody got hooked on your show in 2019... you've been with me and my wife through some big life events."

Conclusion

Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant provide a comprehensive exploration of children's chemistry sets, highlighting their historical significance, inherent dangers, and the societal changes that led to their decline. Through engaging discussions and insightful anecdotes, the episode underscores the delicate balance between fostering scientific curiosity and ensuring safety. As chemistry sets continue to evolve, the legacy of these educational tools remains a testament to their impact on generations of budding scientists.

Key Takeaways

• Origins and Evolution: Chemistry sets began as professional tools and transitioned into educational toys for children, primarily boys.
• Safety Concerns: Early sets contained hazardous chemicals without adequate safety measures, leading to accidents and legislative changes.
• Cultural Impact: Despite their dangers, chemistry sets inspired many future scientists and remain a nostalgic symbol of hands-on science education.
• Modern Developments: Contemporary chemistry sets prioritize safety with non-toxic materials, catering to homeschoolers and science enthusiasts.

Recommended for Listeners Who Enjoy:

• Educational History: Understanding the evolution of educational tools and their societal impacts.
• Science and Safety: Balancing scientific exploration with safety considerations.
• Cultural Reflections: Examining the role of gender in science education and toy marketing.

Further Reading & Resources:

• "Going Deep with David Ries" - Explore more about David Reese's contributions to electronics and chemistry.
• Oliver Sacks' Works - Gain insights from one of the most influential neurologists and authors influenced by chemistry sets.
• Chem C 3000 by Thames & Kosmos - Discover advanced modern chemistry sets for aspiring young scientists.

Stay tuned for more episodes where Josh and Chuck uncover the intriguing stories behind everyday knowledge.