Science & Mathematics - Overview
The Museum's collections hold thousands of objects related to chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and other sciences. Instruments range from early American telescopes to lasers. Rare glassware and other artifacts from the laboratory of Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen, are among the scientific treasures here. A Gilbert chemistry set of about 1937 and other objects testify to the pleasures of amateur science. Artifacts also help illuminate the social and political history of biology and the roles of women and minorities in science.
The mathematics collection holds artifacts from slide rules and flash cards to code-breaking equipment. More than 1,000 models demonstrate some of the problems and principles of mathematics, and 80 abstract paintings by illustrator and cartoonist Crockett Johnson show his visual interpretations of mathematical theorems.
"Science & Mathematics - Overview" showing 1 items.
Magnetometer
- Description
- The Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington designed this theodolite magnetometer around 1904, combining the best features of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey magnetometer and that used by the Magnetic Survey of India. This example is marked ";BAUSCH, LOMB, SAEGMULLER CO. Rochester, N.Y. 4594" and "C.I. MAGNETOMETER NO. 4." It was made in 1907 and, with tripod, cost $620.50.
Ref: J. A. Fleming, "Comparisons of Magnetic Observatory Standards by the Carnegie Institution of Washington," Terrestrial Magnetism 16 (1911): 61-84, on 62-63.
Bausch, Lomb, Saegmuller Co., Astronomical, Engineering and Other Instruments of Precision (Rochester, N.Y., 1907), pp. 41-43.
Carnegie Institution of Washington, Land Magnetic Observations, 1905-1910 (Washington, D.C., 1912).
- Date made
- 1907
- maker
- Bausch, Lomb, Saegmuller Co.
- ID Number
- PH*316516
- accession number
- 225703
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center