Science & Mathematics

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.

After their widespread use during World War One, experts increasingly used psychological tests as a tool to rank and sort people in contexts including (but not limited to) education and employment.
Description
After their widespread use during World War One, experts increasingly used psychological tests as a tool to rank and sort people in contexts including (but not limited to) education and employment. The TAT [Thematic Apperception Test] Summary Record Blank Manual of Directions was written by Pauline G. Vorhaus (Clinical Psychologist, Veterans Administration). The eight-page booklet contains information on purpose, description, instructions for administering the TAT, rules for recording responses, definitions of categories, suggestions for evaluating results, interpretation of categories, and summary. The cover page of the test also included a forward written by Henry A. Murray, who created the TAT. According to historian of science Rebecca Lemov, the test was first developed in 1938 and it “could access apperception, that is, the fantasy life and its fancies, imagination and its secret contents. The test was to be a way of making the invisible visible, the irretrievable retrievable in some manifest form.” For further context, see TAT Summary Record Blank (1983.0168.26).
Reference:
Rebecca Lemov, “X-Rays of Inner Words: The Mid-Twentieth Century American Projective Test Movement,” The Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences 47, no. 3 (Summer 2011): 260.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952
ID Number
1983.0168.25
catalog number
1983.0168.25
accession number
1983.0168
This stapled ten-page leaflet arrived with 1982.0386.02. It is marked "Printed in Japan" and probably dates to the mid-1930s.
Description
This stapled ten-page leaflet arrived with 1982.0386.02. It is marked "Printed in Japan" and probably dates to the mid-1930s. It is titled, Short Directions for the Use of the "Hemmi's" Bamboo Slide Rules, and there are indications throughout the text that its author was not a native speaker of English.
The leaflet explains what a slide rule is. There are sections for Hemmi Normal Slide Rules, the Electro Slide Rule with Log Log Scale, and the Improved Slide Rule. The leaflet also contains an illustration of reading graduations on the scales, an explanation of Hemmi's construction techniques, and various technical problems that could be solved with slide rules. ID number 1982.0386.02 resembles the slide rule illustrated on p. 1, although the drawing shows a ruler in inches on the top edge and depicts PATENT No 58115 as written on the indicator. The example in the collections lacks the ruler and the reference to what is presumably a Japanese patent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1931-1939
maker
SUN HEMMI JAPAN CF
ID Number
1982.0386.03
accession number
1982.0386
catalog number
1982.0386.03
This small illustrated pamphlet, published by drawing manufacturer VEMCO, gives a history od drawing instruments from the Egyptians to the mid-twentieth century.Currently not on view
Description
This small illustrated pamphlet, published by drawing manufacturer VEMCO, gives a history od drawing instruments from the Egyptians to the mid-twentieth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
ID Number
1987.0589.11
accession number
1987.0589
catalog number
1987.0589.11
This book explains the application of the plane and hyperbolic trigonometric scales in slide rule calculations using vectors. It was received with two Keuffel & Esser slide rules, neither of them a model 4083.Currently not on view
Description
This book explains the application of the plane and hyperbolic trigonometric scales in slide rule calculations using vectors. It was received with two Keuffel & Esser slide rules, neither of them a model 4083.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1939
Maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1986.0790.09
accession number
1986.0790
catalog number
1986.0790.09
This small pamphlet gives instructions for using the wooden box model of the Comptometer. The document was received with a later model of the Comptometer (see MA.335357).Reference:P. A.
Description
This small pamphlet gives instructions for using the wooden box model of the Comptometer. The document was received with a later model of the Comptometer (see MA.335357).
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, “American Scientists and Calculating Machines: From Novelty to Commonplace,” Annals of the History of Computing, 12, 1990, pp. 31-40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co.
ID Number
MA.304826.61
accession number
304826
catalog number
304826.61
These instructions for disassembling a manually operated Millionaire calculating machine were received with Millionaire calculating machine 333940. The pamphlet is undated, but was published in English in Zurich by Fretz Brothers.
Description
These instructions for disassembling a manually operated Millionaire calculating machine were received with Millionaire calculating machine 333940. The pamphlet is undated, but was published in English in Zurich by Fretz Brothers. There is no mention of an American distributor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MA.319929.05
accession number
319929
catalog number
319929.05
The citation information for this paperback book is: William E. Breckenridge, The Polyphase Slide Rule No. N4053: A Self Teaching Manual, 3rd ed. (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., 1944).
Description
The citation information for this paperback book is: William E. Breckenridge, The Polyphase Slide Rule No. N4053: A Self Teaching Manual, 3rd ed. (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., 1944). According to Clark McCoy, this example comes from the first of two printings of the manual with the 1944 copyright date; the cover and first few pages were changed in the second printing, which was also marked with the K+E logo that was introduced in 1949. This example has the earlier K&E lion logo.
Breckenridge earned an A.M. in mathematics from Columbia University in New York City, was chair of the mathematics department at Stuyvesant High School around 1909–1910, served as an associate editor of The Mathematics Teacher from 1913 to 1928, and apparently also taught at Columbia. He first wrote this manual in 1924. It has 88 pages that describe the uses of slide rules and explain processes for making calculations and locating the decimal point. Breckenridge also discussed the history and theory of the slide rule before providing worked-out examples and exercises for readers to solve. There are also "advanced problems," material on plane trigonometry and triangles, and problems specific to certain occupations and tasks.
At the back of the book, there are advertisements for K&E's specialty slide rules, the all-plastic Ever-There line of slide rules, and surveying instruments such as transits. This manual was received with MA.321780.
References: Clark McCoy, ed., "The Polyphase Slide Rule No. N4053," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEManuals/4053-1944/4053-1944.htm; William E. Breckenridge, The Polyphase Slide Rule, [3rd ed.] (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., 1944), http://sliderulemuseum.com/SR_Library_KE.htm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944
author
Breckenridge, William E.
ID Number
MA.304213.05
accession number
304213
catalog number
304213.05
This small illustrated pamphlet gives instructions for operating the handheld CURTA calculating machine. Included is an image of the Contina factory in Mauren.Received with calculating machine MA.333848.Currently not on view
Description
This small illustrated pamphlet gives instructions for operating the handheld CURTA calculating machine. Included is an image of the Contina factory in Mauren.
Received with calculating machine MA.333848.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1957
maker
Contina AG Mauren
ID Number
MA.303780.02
accession number
303780
catalog number
303780.02
This pamphlet describes and illustrates the operation of a pantograph designed by L. Blondeau, a geographical draftsman employed by the Bureau des Cartes et Plans of the French Ministry of War.
Description
This pamphlet describes and illustrates the operation of a pantograph designed by L. Blondeau, a geographical draftsman employed by the Bureau des Cartes et Plans of the French Ministry of War. According to the instructions, the instrument was manufactured by Molteni & Cie., opticians and manufacturers, which had the address 13 Boulevard St. Denis in Paris. L. Blondeau took out his French patent for a pantograph in 1841, the same year that the firm Molteni & Cie. was established. Molteni & Cie. was at the address 13 Boulevard Saint-Denis in 1844, but by 1854 had moved to another address. This dates the instructions to the period 1841-1853.
For a related instrument, see MA.314869.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850
ID Number
MA.211531.02
accession number
211531
catalog number
211531.02
This illustrated pamphlet describes the advantages of using the duplex Comptometer in the modern business world..For a related letter, see MA.304826.060. The document was received with a later model of the Comptometer (see MA.335357).Reference:P. A.
Description
This illustrated pamphlet describes the advantages of using the duplex Comptometer in the modern business world..
For a related letter, see MA.304826.060. The document was received with a later model of the Comptometer (see MA.335357).
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, “American Scientists and Calculating Machines: From Novelty to Commonplace,” Annals of the History of Computing, 12, 1990, pp. 31-40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1904
ca 1905
1905
maker
Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co.
ID Number
MA.304826.64
accession number
304826
catalog number
304826.64
This illustrated documentation, held in a red paper folder, gives instructions for operating the Marchant Model SK calculating machine.The materials were received with calculating machine MA.334384.Currently not on view
Description
This illustrated documentation, held in a red paper folder, gives instructions for operating the Marchant Model SK calculating machine.
The materials were received with calculating machine MA.334384.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1962
maker
SCM Corporation
ID Number
MA.313984.02
accession number
313984
catalog number
313984.02
This article from The American Machinist for November 1, 1906, was received with Millionaire calculating machine 333940.Currently not on view
Description
This article from The American Machinist for November 1, 1906, was received with Millionaire calculating machine 333940.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MA.319929.06
accession number
319929
catalog number
319929.06
This pamphlet of instructions for a manually operated Millionaire calculating machine were received with Millionaire calculating machine 333940. The pamphlet is undated, but was published in English in Zurich by Fretz Brothers.
Description
This pamphlet of instructions for a manually operated Millionaire calculating machine were received with Millionaire calculating machine 333940. The pamphlet is undated, but was published in English in Zurich by Fretz Brothers. There is no mention of an American distributor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
Hans W. Egli
ID Number
MA.319929.03
accession number
319929
catalog number
319929.03
This undated 16-page booklet was received with MA.326237. It is titled, The 'Cooper' 100-inch Slide Rule (Patented). Designed for Use in Calculations Involving Multiplication, Division, Proportion, Percentages, Powers, Roots, Logarithms, etc. etc.
Description
This undated 16-page booklet was received with MA.326237. It is titled, The 'Cooper' 100-inch Slide Rule (Patented). Designed for Use in Calculations Involving Multiplication, Division, Proportion, Percentages, Powers, Roots, Logarithms, etc. etc. The description of the calculator claims it reads to four decimal places. Instructions for currency conversion are also provided. Partial tables of decimal equivalents appear as an advertisement for The Instanter Decimal Tables, published by Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co. of London.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1923
ID Number
MA.259739.01
accession number
259739
catalog number
259739.01
This newsletter of the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology) includes an obituary of the spectroscopist and calculating machine user William S. Meggars. Received with Millionaire calculating machine 333940.Currently not on view
Description
This newsletter of the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology) includes an obituary of the spectroscopist and calculating machine user William S. Meggars. Received with Millionaire calculating machine 333940.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
National Bureau of Standards
ID Number
MA.319929.07
accession number
319929
catalog number
319929.07
This 16-page booklet has a salmon paper cover and was received with MA.317925.02. Its citation information is: Directions for the Use, Care and Adjustment of Polar Planimeters (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., n.d.).
Description
This 16-page booklet has a salmon paper cover and was received with MA.317925.02. Its citation information is: Directions for the Use, Care and Adjustment of Polar Planimeters (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., n.d.). Model 4211 is discussed on pages 4–5.
Compare the booklet to the version scanned by Clark McCoy, http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEManuals/Planimeter_Polar/Planimeter_Polar.htm. According to the model numbers included, that booklet was printed between 1925 and 1927, while this booklet was printed between 1930 and 1936.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930-1936
publisher
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
MA.317925.03
accession number
317925
catalog number
317925.03
This small pamphlet introduces the wooden box model of the Comptometer. The document was received with a later model of the Comptometer (see MA.335357).Reference:P. A.
Description
This small pamphlet introduces the wooden box model of the Comptometer. The document was received with a later model of the Comptometer (see MA.335357).
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, “American Scientists and Calculating Machines: From Novelty to Commonplace,” Annals of the History of Computing, 12, 1990, pp. 31-40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co.
ID Number
MA.304826.62
accession number
304826
catalog number
304826.62
This pamphlet gives instructions for operating the Thomas arithmometer.For a related object, see MA.335215.Currently not on view
Description
This pamphlet gives instructions for operating the Thomas arithmometer.
For a related object, see MA.335215.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
maker
Thomas, Charles Xavier
ID Number
MA.318961.02
accession number
1975318961
catalog number
318961.02
These instructions were received with adding machine 334914.Currently not on view
Description
These instructions were received with adding machine 334914.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Dalton Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.313270.02
accession number
313270
catalog number
313270.02
This pamphlet gives instructions for operating the wooden box version of a printing adding machine known as the Comptograph. The document was received with a later model of a related machine known as the Comptometer (see MA.335357).Reference:P. A.
Description
This pamphlet gives instructions for operating the wooden box version of a printing adding machine known as the Comptograph. The document was received with a later model of a related machine known as the Comptometer (see MA.335357).
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, “American Scientists and Calculating Machines: From Novelty to Commonplace,” Annals of the History of Computing, 12, 1990, pp. 31-40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co.
ID Number
MA.304826.136
accession number
304826
catalog number
304826.136
This undated large 8-page booklet is written in German and titled, "Gebrauchsanleitung für Amsler's Planimeter." It describes and depicts nine types of polar planimeter sold by the firm established by Jacob Amsler in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, in 1854.
Description
This undated large 8-page booklet is written in German and titled, "Gebrauchsanleitung für Amsler's Planimeter." It describes and depicts nine types of polar planimeter sold by the firm established by Jacob Amsler in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, in 1854. The instructions indicate that Type 1 and Type 2 were distinguished by their materials; Type 1 was made of brass and Type 2 (see MA.318485 and 1984.1071.01) was made of German silver. Similarly, Type 3 (1986.0316.05) was made of brass and Type 4 was made of German silver. The Museum also owns an example of Type 6 (MA.335203). Types 8 and 9 are wheel-and-disc polar planimeters. See 1999.0250.02 for an English translation of the pamphlet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1912
maker
Amsler, Jacob
ID Number
1986.0316.09
accession number
1986.0316
catalog number
1986.0316.09
This small pamphlet consist of fifteen rectangular sheets of paper cut from a blueprint and stapled together on the left side.
Description
This small pamphlet consist of fifteen rectangular sheets of paper cut from a blueprint and stapled together on the left side. It has drawings and formula for the solution of right angled triangles, as well as tabulated values of openings required for plugs of differing sizes and different angles of opening. The pamphlet was owned by machinist and museum specialist George A. Norton. It may date from the time he worked as a machinist in the Washington Naval Gun Factory.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
ca 1955
ID Number
1986.3078.04
nonaccession number
1986.3078
catalog number
1986.3078.04
This pamphlet accompanies a set of Jullien models for descriptive geometry and includes a full description of the models, an account of how to assemble them, and mathematical details.For related objects, see COLL.1986.0885 and 1986.0885.01.01 through 1986.0885.01.30.Currently not
Description
This pamphlet accompanies a set of Jullien models for descriptive geometry and includes a full description of the models, an account of how to assemble them, and mathematical details.
For related objects, see COLL.1986.0885 and 1986.0885.01.01 through 1986.0885.01.30.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880
maker
Jullien, A.
ID Number
1986.0885.02
accession number
1986.0885
catalog number
1986.0885.02
The citation information for this sixteen-page booklet is: Self-teaching Instruction Manual: Maniphase Slide Rule (Chicago: Eugene Dietzgen Co., n.d.). The slide rule depicted inside the manual is Dietzgen's "National," model 1767, and the manual was received with 1988.0367.01.
Description
The citation information for this sixteen-page booklet is: Self-teaching Instruction Manual: Maniphase Slide Rule (Chicago: Eugene Dietzgen Co., n.d.). The slide rule depicted inside the manual is Dietzgen's "National," model 1767, and the manual was received with 1988.0367.01. Detailed instructions are provided for reading the scales, multiplication, placing the decimal point, division, proportion, squares and square roots, cube and cube roots, trigonometry, and logarithms. "Maniphase" on the cover refers to an arrangement of scales in which the company added K and CI scales to Mannheim rules; the word is printed on several slide rules sold by the Eugene Dietzgen Company. Indeed, the manual indicates portions of it could be used with other Dietzgen slide rules, such as model 1772A.
Reference: Walter Shawlee, "The Dietzgen Company Archive," http://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/dietzgen.html.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
maker
Eugene Dietzgen Company
ID Number
1988.0367.02
accession number
1988.0367
catalog number
1988.0367.02

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