Of Loops and Fingers - The Beginnings of the Yo-yo

    For those not entirely convinced of Aristotle ever having had a yo-yo, let me illustrate, briefly, the history of the yo-yo. Early records date the yo-yo as far back as 500 B.C.E., with the disks being made of terracotta, although other materials would be wood, or metal--most likely bronze or iron. How's that for a finger workout? A little game of around-the-world might just clear a room of failed onlookers. 
    However, disks made of terracotta were used primarily for ceremony, as offerings to a specific god when the child came of age. What's more, the yo-yo is often considered the second oldest toy in history, though if you were to ask me, I think a stick is the first.

 A terracotta yo-yo made in ancient Greece.

    A good yo-yo friend of mine, who was long ago devoured by a horde of insatiable Papua New Guinea termites, belonged to Aristarchus of Samos while he was deciphering the complexities of a heliocentric solar system. For those of you who are unaware of Aristarchus, well, I suppose I'll have to discuss him later. In the meantime, do indulge in a good hour of yo-yo enjoyment. It works wonders for a bewildered or beleaguered mind.