Object Details
maker
Baker, Richard P.
Baker, Richard P.
Description
This model was made by Richard P. Baker in the early twentieth century when he was on the faculty in mathematics at the University of Iowa. It consists of twelve intersecting wire line segments. Six segments are painted black, one green), three red, and two silver. A typed paper tag taped so that it goes around one edge reads: No. 236 (/) Complex from five lines.
Baker classified the model among those he designed to illustrate theorems in projective geometry, specifically "a complex determined from five lines by ruler only."
This example of the model was displayed at MIT from 1939, before its donation to the Smithsonian in 1956.
References:
Baker, R.P., Mathematical Models, Iowa City, 1931, p. 14.
Accession file 211257.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Frances E. Baker
date made
ca 1906-1935
ID Number
MA.211257.042
accession number
211257
catalog number
211257.042
Object Name
geometric model
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
red (overall color)
green (overall color)
yellow (overall color)
purple (overall color)
soldered (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
average spatial: 8.6 cm x 21.1 cm x 16.9 cm; 3 3/8 in x 8 5/16 in x 6 21/32 in
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_1082004