Model of a Cubical Parabola by Richard P. Baker, Baker #76 (a Ruled Surface)

Object Details

Baker, Richard P.

Description

This string model was constructed by Richard P. Baker, possibly before 1905 when he joined the mathematics faculty 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. Baker mentioned the model in a 1905 listing of one hundred models he had constructed as well as in a 1931 catalog.

A typed paper label on the top of the wooden base of this model reads: No. 76 (/) TWISTED CUBIC: CUBICAL (/) PARABOLA. A mark incised in the base at the front reads: 76 R.P.B.

Like several other models Baker made, this shows ruled surfaces, also called scrolls. Such a surface is swept out by a moving line. This model shows portions of a parabolic cylinder (going crosswise with blue strings) and a hyperbolic paraboloid (in red strings). A metal wire along the points of intersection indicates the cubical parabola.

The model sold for $5.00.

References:

R. P. Baker, A List of Mathematical Models, [1905], p. 13.

R. P. Baker, Mathematical Models, Iowa City, Iowa, 1931, p. 72. R. P. Baker Papers, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.

George Salmon, A Treatise on the Analytic Geometry of Three Dimensions, Dublin: Hodges, Foster, and Company, 1874, esp. pp. 303-313.

D. M. Y. Sommerville, Analytical Geometry of Three Dimensions, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1959, esp. pp. 294-297.

Website of the University of Arizona Mathematics Department, accessed June 22, 2017.

Location

Currently not on view

Credit Line

Gift of Frances E. Baker

ca 1900-1935

ID Number

MA.211257.005

accession number

211257

catalog number

211257.005

Object Name

geometric model

Physical Description

thread (overall material)

wood (overall material)

metal (overall material)

red (overall color)

copper (overall color)

blue (overall color)

black (overall color)

screwed and threaded. (overall production method/technique)

Measurements

average spatial: 27.5 cm x 25.6 cm x 25.9 cm; 10 13/16 in x 10 3/32 in x 10 3/16 in

See more items in

Medicine and Science: Mathematics

Science & Mathematics

National Museum of American History

Subject

Mathematics

Record ID

nmah_1079708

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-3b1a-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa