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 one hundred of his models are in the museum collections.
The typed part of a paper label on the wooden base reads: No. 505 (/) SIMPLE CONTACT; ROOTS 2, 1. The model has a wooden frame painted black and two metal supports. The yellow threads join two elliptical rings of holes, one at the top and one at the bottom. The red strings join two straight lines of holes, one on the top and one on the bottom. In both cases, the threads are twisted but do not all meet at a point.at the center.
This was the second of five models Wheeler designed of “cones with a common vertex.” Four of these are in the Smithsonian collections. They are Wheeler’s numbers 504 (MA.211257.098), 505 (MA.211257.099), 507 (MA.211257.100), and 508 MA.211257.101).
Reference:
Richard P. Baker, “Mathematical Models,” Iowa City, Iowa, January, 1931, p. 10.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Frances E. Baker
date made
ca 1906-1935
ID Number
MA.211257.099
accession number
211257
catalog number
211257.099
Object Name
geometric model
Physical Description
thread (overall material)
wood (overall material)
metal (overall material)
red (overall color)
black (overall color)
yellow (overall color)
blue (overall color)
screwed, bolted & threaded. (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
average spatial: 22.6 cm x 25 cm x 25.4 cm; 8 29/32 in x 9 27/32 in x 10 in
average spatial: 22.6 cm x 25 cm x 25.4 cm; 8 7/8 in x 9 13/16 in x 10 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_1087355