A physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist & theologian, Sir Isaac Newton has been hailed as one of the most influential scientists that ever lived & is credited for inventions, including the world’s first reflecting telescope. We know him for the alleged story of the apple hitting his head, leading to the formulation of his Universal Law of Gravitation. Newton’s Cradle, however, is modelled on one of his inventions, used to demonstrate another scientific discovery. The concept is simple: Pull up 1 pendulum of the Newton’s Cradle, release it, & on impact, only 1 ball moves from that reaction. Pull up 2 pendula of the Newton’s Cradle, release & 2 balls will react. This straight forward, yet surprising, result from the Cradle demonstrates that every action has an equal & opposite reaction. The impact of the outer ball with the inner balls of Newtons Cradle displays the effect of energy being transferred through the stationary balls, because only the outer balls move in an equal reaction to each other. Therefore, Newton’s Cradle demonstrates that an object in motion continues in motion with the same speed & direction, unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Confusing? We won’t blame you for memorising this paragraph to impress your friends. This supersize version of the Isaac Newton model, by Discovery Store, is made from glossy chrome, set on a sturdy wood base. The size is larger than most cradles on the market & makes for a great desk ornament for the office, or the home, & provides much needed tranquillity & stress relief during those busy work days, as it clicks away, keeping hands busy & the mind stimulated. Why not bring a daily dose of unprecedented genius into someone’s life, or treat yourself to a supersized slice of scientific history? A fantastic gift idea for Dad, present for Grandad, or for the science enthusiast. Who knows, perhaps some of that dazzling intelligence & pure genius might even rub off on you?