One of the best toys
(until it gets tangled)
Did you know that the slinky was invented accidentally?
It originally was intended to be used as a tension spring in a Battleship Engine, HorsePower, Meter.
This device required special springs in order to stabilize the instrument in rough water.
In 1943, Richard James a marine engineer, was working on this and he accidentally knocked the length of one of the springs.
The spring started "walking" across the floor.
He immediately ran home and told his wife that he had just discovered a new toy for children.
Soon later, 400 slinkies were displayed in stores and within 90 minutes they were all sold!
Children today still are playing with them.