At first glance, this toy idea from a hundred years ago looks like a really bad idea. This adult is shooting an arrow straight up into the air right next to this group of children. And, of course, what goes up must come down. Since it’s going straight up, it will come straight down.

Upon closer examination, however, it’s clear that it’s just a fun toy. What at first appears to be a large arrowhead is actually a parachute. The toy is called “Catch the Parachute.” The parachute and arrow float harmlessly back to the ground, “whereupon there is a mad scramble to reach it.”

The picture appeared in the October 1918 issue of Popular Science, which points out that “bows and arrows in all forms, provided the arrow-points are dull, always make good playthings for children. They develop steadiness of nerve, precision of eyesight, and a certain amount of sturdy muscle.

Surprisingly, this toy doesn’t seem to be available, but we are confident that our readers can work out the details.