Object Details
maker
Baker, Richard P.
Description
A twisted polygon is a closed broken line whose sides do not all lie in the same plane. This model shows four edges of such a polygon. For the three edges in the center of the model, a line segment perpendicular to two adjacent edges is indicated (these are binormals of the polygon at the point). The back of the model contains three quadrilaterals that contain two adjacent edges of the twisted polygon (that is to say, that represent part of three osculating planes of the polygon). It also contains two triangles representing planes normal to edges of the polygon at their midpoints (representing normal planes).
According to Baker’s catalog description, the model represented “osculating, normal and rectifying planes, rectifying lines” for a twisted polygon. The model sold for $2.00.
The model is presently in two pieces.
References:
R. P. Baker, Mathematical Models, Iowa City, Iowa, 1931, p. 11.
Richard P. Baker Papers, University Archives, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Frances E. Baker
date made
ca 1906-1935
ID Number
MA.211257.022
accession number
211257
catalog number
211257.022
Object Name
geometric model
Other Terms
Osculating Planes and Cone with Center of Spherical Curvature.
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
white (overall color)
black (overall color)
bent and soldered (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
average spatial: 8.6 cm x 20.3 cm x 10.6 cm; 3 3/8 in x 8 in x 4 3/16 in
place made
Iraq
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_1080286