In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the fascinating history of chemistry sets, tracing their journey from professional instruments in the 18th century to beloved children's toys in the 20th century. They discuss how safety concerns have evolved over time, the initial focus on marketing to boys, and the decline in popularity due to stricter safety regulations and growing worries about hazardous chemicals. The episode also reveals the surprisingly dangerous contents of some vintage sets, including radioactive materials, and compares them to the safer, albeit less thrilling, options available today.
