Toys

Toys. The most primitive toy of most abiding interest for children is the Doll (q.v.), already dealt with. But toys are of infinite variety, and the making of them forms a very important industrial occupation. Large numbers are made in London, Birmingham, and other places in Britain; but by far the greater number in Germany and Switzerland. Nuremberg is especially important in this respect. Squibs, crackers, &c. are somewhat dangerous toys (see PYROTECHNY), and there are many other ingenious applications of chemistry which combine amusement, instruction, and risk—e.g. the so-called Pharaoh's Serpents (see SULPHOCYANATES), &c. A valuable use of what may be called toys is made in the Kindergarten (q.v.).