Model of Cones with a Common Vertex by Richard P. Baker, Baker #507 (a Ruled Surface)

Object Details

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 now attached to the top metal bar of the frame reads: No. 507 (/) FOUR POINT CONTACT; ROOTS 3. The model has a wooden frame painted black, held together with metal screws and a metal crosspiece. The threads go crosswise. They represent two double elliptic cones, one with blue threads and one with yellow. The ellipses at both ends are of the same size and perpendicular to one another. They each meet at four points. Threads passing through these points of intersection are collinear

This was the fourth 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

ca 1906-1935

ID Number

MA.211257.100

accession number

211257

catalog number

211257.100

Object Name

geometric model

Physical Description

thread (overall material)

wood (overall material)

metal (overall material)

yellow (overall color)

black (overall color)

blue (overall color)

screwed, bolted & threaded. (overall production method/technique)

Measurements

average spatial: 22.5 cm x 20.7 cm x 20.4 cm; 8 27/32 in x 8 5/32 in x 8 1/32 in

See more items in

Medicine and Science: Mathematics

Science & Mathematics

National Museum of American History

Subject

Mathematics

Record ID

nmah_1087369

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-41a4-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa