Paper Models of Ellipsoids, M.Schilling No. 6 & No. 7, Carton Ser. No. 1 & No. 2

In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, students studying technical subjects often learned about the representation of surfaces by equations in courses in solid analytic geometry. Schools in Europe, the United States, and Japan sometimes purchased models to illustrate such surfaces. The firm of Martin Schilling in Leipzig published these two as part of a series of paper models (the “Carton” series) designed by Alexander Brill and first issued in 1874.

The larger, greenish-white paper model of an ellipsoid (#1 in the Carton series) has the dimensions given. It has nineteen intersecting circles (three of the smallest circles are missing in this example). The lines of intersection are numbered, but there is no label. The smaller, tan model (#2 in the carton series) measures unfolded: 11.5 cm. w. x 7 cm. d. x 7 cm. h. It has twenty-nine circles (one other circle is missing). The lines of intersection and circles are numbered, but there is no label. The two models measure flat in their light green envelope: 17 cm. w. x 11.5 cm. d. x 1 cm. h. The envelope is stored in a black paper box with the other Carton models. A mark on it reads: Karton-Modelle (/) von Flachen zweiter Ordnung. (/) Nr. 1 u. 2 (/) Ellipsoide (/) Verlag von Martin Schilling in Halle a. S. Another mark on it reads: Leipzig.

The stand shown in the photographs is part of MA304722.24.

Compare 1985.0112.002 and 1985.0112.003.

References:

Ludwig Brill, Catalog mathematischer Modelle. . ., Darmstadt: L. Brill, 1892, p. 1, 57.

M. Schilling, Catalog, 1911, p. 1-2, 111.

Currently not on view