Alfred Carlton Gilbert (February 15,[1] 1884 – January 24, 1961) was an American inventor, athlete, magician, toy maker and businessman.

[2] Gilbert was educated at the Tualatin Academy and attended Pacific University in nearby Forest Grove, Oregon, where he was a member of the Gamma Sigma Fraternity.

[3] He left Pacific after 1902 and transferred to Yale University, financing his education by working as a magician,[4] and earning a degree in medicine.

[4] In 1918, with the United States embroiled in World War I and the Council of National Defense considering a ban on toy production, Gilbert argued successfully against it.

In 1938, he acquired the rights to the American Flyer toy train line from W. O. Coleman and moved their production from Chicago to New Haven.

[5]: 160  At the same time, he adopted a 3/16 scale for this train line while keeping the three-rail O-gauge track then associated with Lionel, a competitor.

[citation needed] Gilbert is credited with originating the concept of providing benefits for his employees, including free medical and legal advice and maternity leave.

[5]: 160–161 In 1950–1951 he marketed the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory, which contained radioactive ore samples of autunite, carnotite, torbernite and uraninite.