toys became more widespread with the changing attitudes towards children engendered by the enlightenment. children began to be seen as people in and of themselves, as opposed to extensions of their household and that they had a right to flourish and enjoy their childhood. the variety and number of toys that were manufactured during the 18th century steadily rose; john spilsbury invented the first jigsaw puzzle in 1767 to help children learn geography. he created puzzles on eight themes – the world, europe, asia, africa, america, england and wales, ireland and scotland. the rocking horse (on bow rockers) was developed at the same time in england, especially with the wealthy as it was thought to develop children's balance for riding real horses.