The Times of India

Spring Motion Inspires Toy: WWII shipyard mishap leads to Slinky; science explains slinky effect

Naval engineer Richard James accidentally discovered the Slinky's walking motion in 1943 while working in a Philadelphia shipyard. Observing a falling tension spring's peculiar movement, he recognized its potential as a captivating toy. This wartime discovery, rooted in scientific observation and simplicity, transformed a physical phenomenon into a lasting invention.