Spinthariscope

A spinthariscope (/spɪnˈθærɪskoʊp/)[2][3] is a device for observing individual nuclear disintegrations caused by the interaction of ionizing radiation with a phosphor (see radioluminescence) or scintillator.

[4][5] While observing the apparently uniform fluorescence on a zinc sulfide screen created by the radioactive emissions (mostly alpha radiation) of a sample of radium bromide, he spilled some of the sample, and, owing to its extreme rarity and cost, he was eager to find and recover it.

[8] Spinthariscopes were quickly replaced with more accurate and quantitative devices for measuring radiation in scientific experiments, but enjoyed a modest revival in the mid 20th century as children's educational toys.

[9] In 1947, Kix cereal offered a Lone Ranger atomic bomb ring that contained a small one, in exchange for a box top and US$0.15 (equivalent to $2.05 in 2023).

[citation needed] The American History Museum of the Smithsonian has several spinthariscopes in its collections, and an article discussing them.

A low quality toy spinthariscope taken from a 1950s Chemcraft brand "Atomic energy" chemistry experimentation set
A spinthariscope crafted by Robert Drosten in Belgium in 1905 and used in the University of Mons Faculty of Engineering ("Polytech Mons") at the beginning of the 20th century. [ 1 ]