Science & Mathematics

Chemical Balance

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.

Date: 1920s

Geometric Model by Miss Daily, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Hexagonal Antiprism

This cut and folded tan paper model has a hexagon on the top and the bottom and twelve isoceles triangles around the sides.The side triangles have their bases on alternate hexagons.A mark on the model reads: Miss Daily.Compare 304723.146, 1979.0102.345, 1979.0102.346, MA.304723.4
Description
This cut and folded tan paper model has a hexagon on the top and the bottom and twelve isoceles triangles around the sides.The side triangles have their bases on alternate hexagons.
A mark on the model reads: Miss Daily.
Compare 304723.146, 1979.0102.345, 1979.0102.346, MA.304723.462, and MA.304723.675.
Lena Mae Daily (1904-1973) was an undergraduate at Brown University's Women's College who took a course from Wheeler in the spring of 1925. She sent him a letter in July of that year showing several models she had made (see 1979.3009.110) Daily would go on to get an M.A. in mathematics at Brown in 1932, and to teach mathematics in the Warwick, Rhode Island, school system from 1926 until her marriage to Allie C. Aldrich in 1942. For models by Daily, see 1979.0102.260, MA.304723.493, and probably MA.304723.676.
Reference:
Brown Alumni Monthly, vol. 74, #4, January, 1974, p. 51.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
maker
Daily, L. Mae
ID Number
MA.304723.676
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.676

Geometric Model by A. Harry Wheeler, Stellation of the Icosadodecahedron, Described by Wheeler as a Stellated Icosahedron

Extending the sides of polygons can produce a variety of complex polyhedra, including this one. It has twelve relatively sharp points, each with five triangular edges converging. These points alone would form a twelve-pointed star that is itself a stellation of the icosahedron.
Description
Extending the sides of polygons can produce a variety of complex polyhedra, including this one. It has twelve relatively sharp points, each with five triangular edges converging. These points alone would form a twelve-pointed star that is itself a stellation of the icosahedron. In addition, there are twenty three-sided points—not as sharp. These faces alone are like those of a great stellated dodecahedron. Wenninger refers to this model as the thirteenth stellation of the icosidodecahedron.
The model is cut and folded from paper. Wheeler assigned it the number 371, and classified it as icosahedron I10. He also pointed out that the inner faces could be considered as parts of five intersecting tetrahedra.
A related model (304723.204) is dated 1919, hence the approximate date assigned to this model.
References:
Magnus J. Wenninger, Polyhedron Models, Cambridge: The University Press, 1971, p. 55, 73, 88.
A. H. Wheeler, Catalog of Models, A. H. Wheeler Papers, Mathematics Collections, National Museum of American History.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Wheeler, Albert Harry
ID Number
MA.304723.205
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.205

Duo Comptometer

This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a black metal case with six columns of black and white, octagonal keys, colored according to the place value of the digits entered. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a black metal case with six columns of black and white, octagonal keys, colored according to the place value of the digits entered. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Keys representing even digits are flat, those for odd digits are indented. In back of the keyboard is a movable carriage that contains a counter register and a result register above it. Numbers in the counter register can have up to seven digits. Those in the result register 13 digits.
To the left of the number keys are two white keys, one for the key drive and one for the crank drive. To the right of the number keys is a white key that, when pushed, releases the keys. On the right side of the machine is a crank that may be rotated to enter numbers into the register when the “crank drive” key is pushed down. The machine is designed to combine key-driven addition and crank-driven multiplication. It is the first model of a “Duo” Comptometer, and comes from the collection of models at Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. There is no provision for subtraction.
A patent for the invention was filed July 31, 1923 and granted just over nine years later on August 2, 1932. It is patent 1,869,872. A metal tag stored with the object is marked: 134.
Reference: Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1922
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323651
catalog number
323651
accession number
250163

Geometric Model by W. Bailey, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Hyperboloid of One Sheet

The outside of this model has two square ends, joined by four supports to form an open box-shaped paper figure. Red and gray threads join the top and bottom squares to form a hyperbolid of one sheet. A tag on the object reads: 463. A mark in pen reads: W. Bailey (/) Feb.
Description
The outside of this model has two square ends, joined by four supports to form an open box-shaped paper figure. Red and gray threads join the top and bottom squares to form a hyperbolid of one sheet. A tag on the object reads: 463. A mark in pen reads: W. Bailey (/) Feb. 1927.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927 02
teacher of maker
Wheeler, Albert Harry
maker
Bailey, W.
ID Number
MA.304723.613
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.613

Dalton Adding Machine

This ten-key printing manually operated adding machine allows one to enter numbers and record totals up to ten digits. It has a dark brown metal body with two rows of white plastic number keys. Both numbers and their complements are indicated.
Description
This ten-key printing manually operated adding machine allows one to enter numbers and record totals up to ten digits. It has a dark brown metal body with two rows of white plastic number keys. Both numbers and their complements are indicated. The handle, mechanism, and stand are metal, with a wooden knob on the handle and carriage handles covered with decaying rubber. In addition to number keys, there are backspace, subtract, non-add and multiply keys on the keyboard. A hand-motor lever is to the right of these. Above it are release, total, and subtotal keys.
Directly above the number keys is a place indicator. To its left is the correction bar. Above these is the printing mechanism (with a two-color ribbon) and carriage (about 10” wide), and a paper tape. On the right is the crank. The machine is on a metal base, with a metal stand with wooden kick stand. There is no motor or cord. The stand has one wheel at the center of the back and two wheels at the front.
The machine is marked above the number keys: Dalton (/) CINCINNATI, OHIO. It is marked on the carriage: Dalton (/) ADDING, (/) LISTING AND (/) CALCULATING MACHINE. It is marked under the handle: NO203986. The underside of the base is marked: 0100. It is also marked: 0230A .
Reference:
Office Machines Research Inc., section 3.21, 1937.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1927
maker
Dalton Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.334914
accession number
313270
maker number
203986
catalog number
334914

Comptometer Study Model 520 Series (?) Adding Machine Section

This is a model of a section of a Comptometer. It has a single column of white plastic numeral keys. Alternate keys are concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). Left of the number keys are two red keys. One is marked: UNIVERSAL (/) KEY (/) DRIVE.
Description
This is a model of a section of a Comptometer. It has a single column of white plastic numeral keys. Alternate keys are concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). Left of the number keys are two red keys. One is marked: UNIVERSAL (/) KEY (/) DRIVE. The other is marked: INDIVIDUAL (/) KEY (/) DRIVE. The section of a metal case under the keys is painted brown. The mechanism is steel. The model has no numeral wheels, no zeroing lever, no base, and no cover.
During the late 1920s, J. A. V. Turck of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company worked on inventing an adding machine that could either be driven by striking individual keys (have an individual key drive, in his language), or by setting keys and then driving them simultaneously (having a universal key drive, in his language). This object relates to that effort. Comptometers had traditionally used individual key drive.
References:
U.S. Patent 1869872, granted August 2, 1932.
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal, #134, 135, 136, 150.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1927
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323640
catalog number
323640
accession number
250163

Leaflet, Voici La Machine à Calculer Rébo

This leaflet is printed in red and black on white. It includes a drawing of the computing device as well of drawings of several people using it. This is documentation for the adder with museum number MA.155183.25.Currently not on view
Description
This leaflet is printed in red and black on white. It includes a drawing of the computing device as well of drawings of several people using it. This is documentation for the adder with museum number MA.155183.25.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
ID Number
MA.155183.25.1
accession number
155183
catalog number
155183.25.1

Burroughs Class 3 Adding Machine

This full keyboard printing manually operated machine has a metal frame painted black, with the area under the keyboard green. Each of the nine columns of color-coded plastic keys has nine keys. On the left of the number keys are subtotal and total keys.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated machine has a metal frame painted black, with the area under the keyboard green. Each of the nine columns of color-coded plastic keys has nine keys. On the left of the number keys are subtotal and total keys. Above these are non-add, non-print, and repeat keys. A crank for operating the machine is on the right side. The sum appears in a row of nine windows at the front of the machine.
At the back is the visible printing mechanism and a 30.8 cm. carriage (this dimension does not include the carriage handles). The carriage can be shifted, is wide enough for single sheets stationery, and has a counter that rings a bell at zero. A serrated edge tears the paper tape. The paper holder presently has no paper. The ribbon is stored in separate canisters.
The machine is marked behind the keyboard: Burroughs. It is marked at the front: 3-899304. It is marked on the back: Burroughs (/) THIS MACHINE PROTECTED BY U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS. The date was given by the lender when the machine came to the Smithsonian Institution in 1924, and agrees with other listings. The object recently was donated to the Institution by Unisys Corporation.
Compare MA.335029, MA.335030, and 1986.0192.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.308346
catalog number
308346
maker number
3-899304
accession number
2011.0264

Geometric Model by Robert B. Evans, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Hyperboloid of One Sheet

The top and bottom of this model are paper squares that are joined by four paper supports to form an open box-shaped figure. Red and black threads join the top and bottom squares in the shape of a hyperboloid of one sheet.A mark on the model reads: 466.
Description
The top and bottom of this model are paper squares that are joined by four paper supports to form an open box-shaped figure. Red and black threads join the top and bottom squares in the shape of a hyperboloid of one sheet.
A mark on the model reads: 466. Another mark reads: Robert B. Evans (/) June 18, 1928.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1928 06 18
maker
Evans, Robert B.
ID Number
MA.304723.266
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.266

Suan-p'an, or Chinese Abacus

This instrument sits in a rosewood box with rosewood cross piece. Fifteen parallel bamboo rods pass through the cross piece. Each rod has two wooden beads above and five below the cross piece. The beads are rounded, like those on other Chinese abaci.
Description
This instrument sits in a rosewood box with rosewood cross piece. Fifteen parallel bamboo rods pass through the cross piece. Each rod has two wooden beads above and five below the cross piece. The beads are rounded, like those on other Chinese abaci. Brass corner pieces hold the box together.
Frank A.Taylor, a staff member in the Department of Arts and Industries at the United States National Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, first lent the abacus to the National Collections in 1928 for use in a display of calculating instruments. He lent the object as an example of a modern Chinese abacus. He donated it in 1960.There is no mark by a maker.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
ID Number
MA.309527
catalog number
309527
accession number
104133

Geometric Model by Ambert Corsini, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Tetrahedron Bisected by a Hyperbolic Parabaloid

This string model has a brown paper framework. Inside the frame of a cube a regular tetrahedron is bisected by a hyperbolic paraboloid.A mark on the model reads: Ambert Corsini. Another mark reads: March 7 (/) 1927.
Description
This string model has a brown paper framework. Inside the frame of a cube a regular tetrahedron is bisected by a hyperbolic paraboloid.
A mark on the model reads: Ambert Corsini. Another mark reads: March 7 (/) 1927. A tag reads: 456.
Compare MA.304723.642 and MA.304723.610.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927 03 07
teacher of maker
Wheeler, Albert Harry
maker
Corsini, Ambert
ID Number
MA.304723.610
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.610

Geometric Model by S. Finlayson, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Oblique Triangular Antiprism

The top and bottom faces of this cut and folded tan paper model are equilateral triangles. The side faces are six triangles. The triangles face alternately up and down as one moves around the model.A paper tag on the model reads: 164. A mark in pencil reads: 164.
Description
The top and bottom faces of this cut and folded tan paper model are equilateral triangles. The side faces are six triangles. The triangles face alternately up and down as one moves around the model.
A paper tag on the model reads: 164. A mark in pencil reads: 164. A mark in pen below this reads: S. Finlayson Nov. 16, '26.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926 11 16
unspecified
Wheeler, Albert Harry
maker
Finlayson, S.
ID Number
MA.304723.145
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.145

Monroe Model K-20 Calculating Machine

This example of Monroe Calculating Machine Company’s Model K-20 calculating machine was lent to the Smithsonian in 1922 as an example of one of the company’s latest products.The manually operated, full-keyboard, modified stepped drum machine has a metal (not steel) frame painted
Description
This example of Monroe Calculating Machine Company’s Model K-20 calculating machine was lent to the Smithsonian in 1922 as an example of one of the company’s latest products.
The manually operated, full-keyboard, modified stepped drum machine has a metal (not steel) frame painted black, with rounded corners. It slopes downward from back to front. The steel plate under the keyboard is painted green. The ten columnsof plastic keys are colored black or white according to the place value of the digit represented. A red clearance key is at the bottom of each column. Keystems are of uniform length. Rods between the rows of keys serve as decimal markers. They are painted green on one side to match the plate under the keyboard, and unpainted on the other side.
A column to the right of the number keys has three keys. One clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation. A metal lever is to the right of the keyboard and a metal knob to the left. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
In back of the keyboard is a carriage that has a row of 20 numeral dials for recording results, and a row of ten numeral dials behind these which serve as a revolution register. Two thin metal rods between the windows carry decimal markers. The carriage shift crank is at the front of the machine. A knob for lifting the carriage is to the right of the result register, and a crank for zeroing dials on the carriage is further to the right. This crank lifts the carriage as it resets the dials. The machine has four rubber feet.
A mark at the center front reads: MONROE (/) Calculating Machine Company (/) New York,U.S.A. A mark at the center of the back reads: MONROE. The serial number, 50885, stamped the on right side of the mechanism of the machine, under the carriage, is difficult to read.
Compare MA.334711, MA.307386, 1983.0831.01, and 1982.0682.05..
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 551.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1921
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
MA.307386
catalog number
307386
maker number
50185
accession number
2011.0209

Geometric Model by Robert B. Evans, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Hyperboloid of One Nappe (Hyperboloid of One Sheet)

This tan paper model has a box-shaped skeleton with square ends. This framework slants. Red and gray threads joining the two square faces form a hyperboloid of one sheet.A tag on the model reads: 465. A mark reads: Robert B. Evans (/) June 11, 1928.Currently not on view
Description
This tan paper model has a box-shaped skeleton with square ends. This framework slants. Red and gray threads joining the two square faces form a hyperboloid of one sheet.
A tag on the model reads: 465. A mark reads: Robert B. Evans (/) June 11, 1928.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1928 06 11
teacher
Wheeler, Albert Harry
maker
Evans, Robert B.
ID Number
MA.304723.268
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.268

Geometric Model by C. P. Lockwood, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Ellipsoid

This cut and folded tan paper model consists of a central ring that is fitted with six ellipses, each one folded in half. Properly arranged, these give the impression of an ellipse.A mark in ink reads: C.P. Lockwood (/) Nov 1926.Currently not on view
Description
This cut and folded tan paper model consists of a central ring that is fitted with six ellipses, each one folded in half. Properly arranged, these give the impression of an ellipse.
A mark in ink reads: C.P. Lockwood (/) Nov 1926.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926 11
teacher of maker
Wheeler, Albert Harry
maker
Lockwood, C. P.
ID Number
MA.304723.527
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.527

Cooper 100-Inch Slide Rule

This instrument consists of a wooden base to which a flat rectangular scale printed on white celluloid is attached. The scale is divided logarithmically and arranged in 20 parallel lines. Each line is about five inches long.
Description
This instrument consists of a wooden base to which a flat rectangular scale printed on white celluloid is attached. The scale is divided logarithmically and arranged in 20 parallel lines. Each line is about five inches long. A wooden frame slides backward and forward over the base. Within this frame is a second frame, which has a clear celluloid window. Four index marks are drawn on the window. A loose metal wedge with a pin attached serves as a pointer, and it may be placed at any point on the window. The scales are marked: THE COOPER 100 INCH SLIDE RULE (/) PATENTED.
The feet of the base are lined with green felt. The instrument fits in a leather-covered cardboard box that is lined with white felt. A sticker inside the lid reads: WILLIAM DUBILIER (/) 72 Esplanade (/) NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y. There is also a note that reads: TELEPHONE, PARK 1081. (/) WIRELESS CALL, 5AU. (/) 94, ADDISON ROAD (/) KENSINGTON, W. 14. (/) 24/12/22 (/) To W. D. (/) With very best wishes for (/) Xmas and the New Year. (/) W.v.P.
William Dubilier (1888–1969), the donor of this instrument, was an American electrical engineer and inventor who received this instrument from a friend in Great Britain in 1922. By 1923, W. F. Stanley & Co. made this rule and stamped the outer frame with its mark. Although the rule worked well for multiplication and percentage problems, it was difficult to set the rule accurately for more complex calculations. At the relatively high price of £4, the instrument probably never sold widely. No patents for the device have been found. For the instruction manual, see MA.259739.01.
References: Werner H. Rudowski, "The Cooper 100-inch Slide Rule: An Update," Slide Rule Gazette 8 (Autumn 2007): 25–27; Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 116; "William Dubilier, Inventor, Is Dead," New York Times (July 27, 1969), 65; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1922
maker
Stanley, William Ford
ID Number
MA.326237
catalog number
326237
accession number
259739

Geometric Model by A. F. Hewitt, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Right Pyramid with a Nonagon for Its Base

This right pyramid has a regular nonagon (nine-sided polygon) for its base and nine isoscles triangles that come together along edges and all meet at the vertex. Amark on the model reads: Nov. 3, 1926 (/) A.F. Hewitt.Currently not on view
Description
This right pyramid has a regular nonagon (nine-sided polygon) for its base and nine isoscles triangles that come together along edges and all meet at the vertex. Amark on the model reads: Nov. 3, 1926 (/) A.F. Hewitt.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926 11 03
maker's teacher
Wheeler, Albert Harry
maker
Hewitt, A. F.
ID Number
MA.304723.677
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.677

Scofield-Thacher Engineer's Slide Rule

This 22-inch, two-sided wooden slide rule has scales that are printed on paper but not engine-divided. On the front of the base, logarithmic scales are labeled B and C on the left and D and D on the right.
Description
This 22-inch, two-sided wooden slide rule has scales that are printed on paper but not engine-divided. On the front of the base, logarithmic scales are labeled B and C on the left and D and D on the right. The C scale is the inverse of the B scale and is also labeled RECIPROCALS. The first D scale runs from 1 to 3.16, and the second D scale runs from 3.16 to 10. These scales are labeled ROOTS.
Four identical scales are on the slide, all logarithmically divided from 1 to 10 and labeled A. Two of the scales are at the left end of the slide, and two are at the right end of the slide. These scales are also identical to the B scale. Written in pencil on the back of the slide and underneath the slide is the number 1103. The bottom of the base is marked: Patented July 2, 1901.
The back of the base has scales divided logarithmically from 1 to 10 and from 3.16 to 10 to 3.16. These scales are both labeled F at both ends. The slide also has scales divided logarithmically from 1 to 10 and from 3.16 to 10 to 3.16. These scales are both labeled E at both ends. Faded red numbers from 1 to 4 also appear on all four scales. Written in pencil on the back of the slide and underneath the slide is: 1102. The bottom of the base is marked: Patented July 2, 1901.
The top edge of the rule is marked: THE ENGINEERS (/) SLIDE RULE. It is also marked: From E. M. Scofield, Bridge Engineer. (/) Sta. A, – Youngstown, – Ohio. (/) Rule sent prepaid on receipt of price. (/) Factory, – Youngstown, Ohio. The paper pasted on this edge also has the formula ex/f, a description of how to solve this formula with the instrument, and tables of equivalents. The bottom edge of the rule gives seventeen more formulas and instructions. It is marked: DIRECTIONS FOR SCALES A • B • C & D (/) FOR "Op." READ "OPPOSITE" (/) FOR "—" READ "ON SCALE" (/) FOR "Ans." READ "FIND ANSWER" (/) FOR LAST SIX PROBLEMS REVERSE SLIDE.
Edson Mason Scofield (1867–1939) developed this rule in 1891 while he worked for Edwin Thacher (inventor of the cylindrical slide rule bearing his name; see, for example, MA.312866). Thacher applied for a patent on the design in 1900 and assigned a half-interest to Scofield when the patent was issued in 1901. According to the instrument, Scofield may have distributed the rule himself.
It was also sold by Eugene Dietzgen Company of Chicago from about 1901 through at least 1931. The price for model 1787 ranged from $5.00 to $7.00. By 1926 Dietzgen marked the rule with its company name. Meanwhile, Scofield went on to become president and chief engineer of the National Bridge Company of Pittsburgh in 1901. From 1903 he and his brother, Glenn M. Scofield, operated the Scofield Engineering Company in Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles. This example belonged to Robert A. Cummings, a civil engineer who was the father of the donor. Compare to MA.333710.
References: Edwin Thacher, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 677,817 issued July 2, 1901); Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 7th ed. (Chicago, 1904), 173; Catalog of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 12th ed. (Chicago, 1926), 177; Conrad Schure, "The Scofield-Thacher Slide Rule," Journal of the Oughtred Society 3, no. 1 (1994): 20–25; Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 161.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1901-1926
maker
Scofield, E. M.
ID Number
MA.325990
catalog number
325990
accession number
258733

Star Adding Machine

This small lever-set non-printing manually operated adding machine has a dark green metal case. Thelid opens to reveal 9 curved levers which are moved forward to set a number. Large digits beside the levers are for addition, small ones for subtraction.
Description
This small lever-set non-printing manually operated adding machine has a dark green metal case. Thelid opens to reveal 9 curved levers which are moved forward to set a number. Large digits beside the levers are for addition, small ones for subtraction. The nine red plastic keys across the top of the machine are for use in subtraction. A metal handle can be used to carry the machine when the lid is closed. A key locks the lid.
The machine is marked on the front: STAR ADDING MACHINE (/) MANUFACTURED BY (/) TODD PROTECTOGRAPH CO. (/) ROCHESTER, N.Y., U.S.A. (/) PATENTED NOV. 22 1921. OTHER PATENTS PENDING It has serial number on the bottom: 23341.
Compare to MA.323595.
According to Typewriter Topics, the lid was added to the Star in 1924. It served both to keep out dust and to allow the machine to be locked. That year, the device sold for $44. In April 1926, it was redesigned and put on the market as the Todd Visible.
References:
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 326-328.
Typewriter Topics, vol. 58, October (?), 1924, p. 77.
Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, sec. 3-1A, p. 4.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
maker
Todd Protectograph Company
ID Number
MA.326517
accession number
260030
maker number
23341
catalog number
326517

Geometric Model by A. Harry Wheeler, Eighth Stellation of the Icosahedron

A stellation of a regular polyhedron is a polyhedron with faces formed by extending the sides of the faces of the regular polyhedron.
Description
A stellation of a regular polyhedron is a polyhedron with faces formed by extending the sides of the faces of the regular polyhedron. One may understand this tan paper model as showing parts of twenty three-pointed stars, erected on the twenty triangular faces of a regular icosahedron. The stars meet in a total of twelve points. Only six of the nine triangular faces of each star appear, making for a model with 120 triangular faces.
A mark on the model reads: No. 367. A second mark reads: 5-25-25-A.
Compare MA.304723.181, MA.304723.192, MA.304723.206, MA.304723.207, 1979.0102.093, and 1979.0102.306.
Reference:
Magnus J. Wenninger, Polyhedron Models, Cambridge: The University Press, 1971, p. 54.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925 05 25
maker
Wheeler, Albert Harry
ID Number
MA.304723.206
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.206

Burroughs Adding Machine Section

This open cross section of a Burroughs adding machine has a metal frame painted black on one side, a single column of nine plastic-covered keys (one of these is missing), a mechanism for the keys, a short rubber carriage, and type. Two number wheels are at the front.
Description
This open cross section of a Burroughs adding machine has a metal frame painted black on one side, a single column of nine plastic-covered keys (one of these is missing), a mechanism for the keys, a short rubber carriage, and type. Two number wheels are at the front. Places where the mechanism and frame have been cut off are painted orange. The model is supposed to show transmission of action from the finger keys to the registering devices. The model rests on a metal shaft that is attached to a square wooden base.
This section was lent to the Smithsonian in 1924 by Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit as an example of the technology of a current product. It recently has been donated to the Institution by Unisys Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.308345
catalog number
308345
accession number
2011.0264

Smallwood Calculator

This small stylus-operated non-printing adding machine has seven brass wheels and a steel frame painted black. Seven windows above the wheels reveal the result. The back is covered with green felt.
Description
This small stylus-operated non-printing adding machine has seven brass wheels and a steel frame painted black. Seven windows above the wheels reveal the result. The back is covered with green felt. The machine is marked on the front: -THE- (/) SMALLWOOD (/) CALCULATOR (/) OAKLAND (/) CAL. The front of the case is marked: -THE- (/) SMALLWOOD CALCULATOR (/) OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA (/) Patented Feb. 23rd 1926. The machine fits in a wooden stand, which also has a slot for the stylus. The stand has four rubber feet. The entire instrument fits in a black cardboard cover. The stylus is silver-colored metal, with a blue plastic end piece.
Compare to The Calculator (1986.0542.01).
Reference:
Russell W. Hook, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 1,574,249, February 23, 1926.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926
ID Number
MA.336184
accession number
1977.0688
catalog number
336184

Geometric Model by L. Mae Daily, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Great Stellated Dodecahderon

A stellation of a regular polyhedron is a polyhedron with faces formed by extending the sides of the faces of the regular polyhedron. For example, if one extends the sides of a regular pentagon, one can obtain a five-pointed star or pentagram.
Description
A stellation of a regular polyhedron is a polyhedron with faces formed by extending the sides of the faces of the regular polyhedron. For example, if one extends the sides of a regular pentagon, one can obtain a five-pointed star or pentagram. Considering the union of the twelve pentagrams formed from the twelve pentagonal faces of a regular dodecahedron, one obtains this surface, known as a great stellated dodecahedron. It also could be created by gluing appropriate triangular pyramids to the faces of a regular icosahedron – there are a total of sixty triangular faces.
The great stellated dodecahedron was published by Wenzel Jamnitzer in 1568. It was rediscovered by Johannes Kepler and published in his work Harmonice Mundi in 1619. The French mathematician Louis Poinsot rediscovered it in 1809, and the surface and three related stellations are known as a Kepler-Poinsot solids.
This tan paper model of a great stellated dodecahedron is marked: L. MAE DAILY '26 (/) Apr. 24, '25
Compare MA.304723.084, MA.304723.085, 1979.0102.016, and 1979.0102.253.
Lena Mae Daily (1904-1973) was an undergraduate at Brown University's Women's College who took a course from Wheeler in the spring of 1925. She sent him a letter in July of that year showing several models she had made (see 1979.3009.110) Daily would go on to get an M.A. in mathematics at Brown in 1932, and to teach mathematics in the Warwick, Rhode Island, school system from 1926 until her marriage to Allie C. Aldrich in 1942. For models by Daily, see 1979.0102.260, MA.304723.493, and probably MA.304723.676.
References:
Brown Alumni Monthly, vol. 74, #4, January, 1974, p. 51.
Wenzel Jamnitzer, Perspectiva Corporum Regularium, Nuremberg, 1568.
Magnus J. Wenninger, Polyhedron Models, Cambridge: The University Press, 1971, p. 40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925 04 24
teacher
Wheeler, Albert Harry
maker
Daily, L. Mae
ID Number
MA.304723.493
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.493

Geometric Model by Russell Corsini, a Student of A. Harry Wheeler, Tetrahedron Bisected by a Hyperbolic Parabaloid

This trown paper skeleton model of a regular tetrahedton has red threads joining two opposite sides and tan threads joining two other opposite sides The threads form a hyperbolic paraboloid. A mark in pen reads. Feb-24-1927.
Description
This trown paper skeleton model of a regular tetrahedton has red threads joining two opposite sides and tan threads joining two other opposite sides The threads form a hyperbolic paraboloid. A mark in pen reads. Feb-24-1927. Another mark in pen reads: Russell Corsini.
Compare MA.304723.642, MA.304723.643, and MA.304723.610.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927 02 24
maker's teacher
Wheeler, Albert Harry
maker
Corsini, Ambert
ID Number
MA.304723.643
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.643

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