DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1311#0018
OF THE WORLD'S INDUSTRY.
CHAPTER II.
TOYS.
THEIB IMPORTANCE — PDTLOSOPHICAE AND POLITICAL CHARACTER—AMERICA—AUSTRIA AND
ITS EXHIBITORS—BAVARIA—BRITISH COLONIES—FRANCE—TOT TBABE IN PARIS—FRANKFOBT
----HAMBURG----PRUSSIA----SAXONY----SWITZERLAND—UNITED KINGDOM—VALUE OF TOTS IM-
PORTED—WUBTEMBES9-.
If, as the poet tells us, " Men are but children of a larger growth/' then we shall need no
apology for introducing the subject of " Toys" to the consideration of onr readers;
especially when we call to mind the remark of one of the most eminent of modern philo-
sophers, viz., that "boys' toys are the most philosophical things in the world;" and
that of an equally renowned statesman, who, taking another view of their importance,
affirms that they are an index to the character of a nation. Now we beg leave to remark,
that it is to the toys of the male sex that the observation of the sage philosopher is
solely applicable, inasmuch as they are always directed to the more intellectual quality
of the masculine understanding, or to its bellicose propensities; whereas the toys con-
trived for the amusement of the gentler sex are invariably such as minister to the gentler
affections of the heart, to tenderness, to love, and the whole range of domestic virtues.
In illustration of the first position, as it is observed in the Report of the Juries, a few
examples may be cited. A boy's kite, in the hands of a Franklin and a Romas, has served
to identify lightning with electricity, and convey an instructive lesson on the composition
of mechanical forces- The pea-shooter not only affords evidence of the elastic force of
gases, but also of their economical employment when used expansively. The sucker
illustrates the weight of the atmosphere, and its equal pressure in all directions; and the
sling, the hoop, and the top, show the property of centrifugal force: when the top
is in rapid motion, it converts for the moment, every spot and bruise on its surface
into an elegant zone, and thus also imparts a good lesson in physiological optics. To a
reflecting mind toys afford ample food for thought, and they might be made, perhaps,
to yield mucli solid instruction to the child, were it not generally far more wise, for a
certain period, at least, to limit its inquiries rather to the discovery of the weakest parts
of its plaything. With regard to the assertion, that toys indicate the genius of a
nation, it is evident that, as the natural tendency of children is to imitate the employ-
ments of their elders, they will always take the most interest in such toys as will assist
them in this propensity, and lead them in their sports to do that which they see those
around them doing in earnest. Hence, in countries which are of a military disposition,
flags, drums, trumpets, guns, swords, and the accoutrements of soldiers, are much in
demand for the pastime of even the youngest boys. In a maritime nation toy-ships will
he esteemed, and thus the very pastimes of childhood might be made available in
promoting the welfare of such services as the particular state most requires. The
Exhibition, therefore, might have afforded an interesting opportunity to statesmen and
philanthropists for studying the diversity of character exemplified by the contributing
nations, had they been all as well represented in their toys as they were in their other
manufactures. This, however, was far from being the case, many countries, although
largely employed in the manufacture of toys, having nearly or altogether neglected sending
specimens. America, for instance, was extremely deficient in her contribution of toys.
Austria, on the other hand, was well and copiously represented in the toy-trade.
From. Vienna there were two exhibitors, one of whom sent a great variety of automaton-
VOL. II. d
CHAPTER II.
TOYS.
THEIB IMPORTANCE — PDTLOSOPHICAE AND POLITICAL CHARACTER—AMERICA—AUSTRIA AND
ITS EXHIBITORS—BAVARIA—BRITISH COLONIES—FRANCE—TOT TBABE IN PARIS—FRANKFOBT
----HAMBURG----PRUSSIA----SAXONY----SWITZERLAND—UNITED KINGDOM—VALUE OF TOTS IM-
PORTED—WUBTEMBES9-.
If, as the poet tells us, " Men are but children of a larger growth/' then we shall need no
apology for introducing the subject of " Toys" to the consideration of onr readers;
especially when we call to mind the remark of one of the most eminent of modern philo-
sophers, viz., that "boys' toys are the most philosophical things in the world;" and
that of an equally renowned statesman, who, taking another view of their importance,
affirms that they are an index to the character of a nation. Now we beg leave to remark,
that it is to the toys of the male sex that the observation of the sage philosopher is
solely applicable, inasmuch as they are always directed to the more intellectual quality
of the masculine understanding, or to its bellicose propensities; whereas the toys con-
trived for the amusement of the gentler sex are invariably such as minister to the gentler
affections of the heart, to tenderness, to love, and the whole range of domestic virtues.
In illustration of the first position, as it is observed in the Report of the Juries, a few
examples may be cited. A boy's kite, in the hands of a Franklin and a Romas, has served
to identify lightning with electricity, and convey an instructive lesson on the composition
of mechanical forces- The pea-shooter not only affords evidence of the elastic force of
gases, but also of their economical employment when used expansively. The sucker
illustrates the weight of the atmosphere, and its equal pressure in all directions; and the
sling, the hoop, and the top, show the property of centrifugal force: when the top
is in rapid motion, it converts for the moment, every spot and bruise on its surface
into an elegant zone, and thus also imparts a good lesson in physiological optics. To a
reflecting mind toys afford ample food for thought, and they might be made, perhaps,
to yield mucli solid instruction to the child, were it not generally far more wise, for a
certain period, at least, to limit its inquiries rather to the discovery of the weakest parts
of its plaything. With regard to the assertion, that toys indicate the genius of a
nation, it is evident that, as the natural tendency of children is to imitate the employ-
ments of their elders, they will always take the most interest in such toys as will assist
them in this propensity, and lead them in their sports to do that which they see those
around them doing in earnest. Hence, in countries which are of a military disposition,
flags, drums, trumpets, guns, swords, and the accoutrements of soldiers, are much in
demand for the pastime of even the youngest boys. In a maritime nation toy-ships will
he esteemed, and thus the very pastimes of childhood might be made available in
promoting the welfare of such services as the particular state most requires. The
Exhibition, therefore, might have afforded an interesting opportunity to statesmen and
philanthropists for studying the diversity of character exemplified by the contributing
nations, had they been all as well represented in their toys as they were in their other
manufactures. This, however, was far from being the case, many countries, although
largely employed in the manufacture of toys, having nearly or altogether neglected sending
specimens. America, for instance, was extremely deficient in her contribution of toys.
Austria, on the other hand, was well and copiously represented in the toy-trade.
From. Vienna there were two exhibitors, one of whom sent a great variety of automaton-
VOL. II. d