How to Defeat Jacob's Ladder

Throughout the ages, Jacob's ladder has amazed and confounded both children and adults. It has even been reported that a version of Jacob's ladder was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen. This toy of wood and ribbons is named for Jacob, whom the Bible describes as seeing a ladder leading from earth to heaven. Defeat Jacob's ladder by learning some simple moves to make it obey you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take the top block, hold it by the edges, and watch the other blocks cascade down until the ladder is open.
2. Grab the top block by the edges. Turn the top block 180 degrees by rotating it to the left.
3. Make sure the top block and the second block are parallel to each other and touch. Watch the blocks "fall" down when the top block touches the hanging block.
4. Turn the top block 180 degrees by rotating it to the right.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4.
6. Fold a dollar bill until it's small enough to fit under one of the ribbons. Repeat Steps 1 to 5. Observe the bill as it disappears and reappears while the blocks cascade down.
7. Repeat Step 6 with a coin.

Tips & Warnings

• Although letting the blocks cascade down is the most common method of playing with Jacob's ladder, you can defeat the complexities of the toy by making figures with it. You can make a butterfly, a table or a snake.
• The double-acting hinge provides the illusion that the blocks are falling.