Object Details
maker
Baker, Richard P.
Description
This geometric model was constructed by Richard P. Baker in the early twentieth century when he was Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Iowa. Baker believed that models were essential for the teaching of many parts of mathematics and physics, and over 100 of his models are in the museum collections.
The model is a painted wire structure in five planes. It includes a white circle and is presently in two pieces (other pieces may be missing). Unlike most Baker models, it has no paper label that indicates the name and number he assigned to it.
This model is one that Baker described in his catalog as of type C. He characterized such models as follows: "Wire models. Of steel wire one eighth and one sixteenth inch. The wires are painted in colors to suit the theory so that in general the use of letters is avoided."
Unfortunately, the age of the model is such that it is hard to be sure that one is assigning the correct color to wires.
Reference:
Richard P. Baker, Mathematical Models, Iowa City, 1931, p. 1.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Frances E. Baker
ID Number
MA.211257.126
accession number
211257
catalog number
211257.126
Object Name
geometric model
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
yellow (overall color)
orange (overall color)
blue (overall color)
white (overall color)
soldered (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
average spatial: 10.8 cm x 23 cm x 16.5 cm; 4 1/4 in x 9 1/16 in x 6 1/2 in
place made
United States: Iowa, Iowa City
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1088371