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.

Topic: Scale Rules

Keuffel & Esser 8883 Triangular Chain Scale

This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule is grooved on each side. One side has scales divided to 1/10" (numbered by ones from 0 to 12) and 1/50" (numbered by twos from 0 to 60). This side is marked: 8883 K & E SCHOOL QUALITY.
Description
This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule is grooved on each side. One side has scales divided to 1/10" (numbered by ones from 0 to 12) and 1/50" (numbered by twos from 0 to 60). This side is marked: 8883 K & E SCHOOL QUALITY. The second side has scales divided to 1/20" (numbered by ones from 0 to 24) and 1/40" (numbered by twos from 0 to 48). The third side has scales divided to 1/30" (numbered by twos from 0 to 36) and 1/60" (numbered by fours from 0 to 72).
William J. Ellenberger (1908–2008), who donated this object, studied electrical and mechanical engineering at The George Washington University between 1925 and 1934. He then worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company and the National Bureau of Standards. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a civilian construction management engineer for the army from 1954 to 1968, when he became a private consultant.
Keuffel & Esser sold model 8883 from at least 1928. Sometime after 1928, K&E made this ruler out of plastic instead of boxwood.
References: "The GW Engineering Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees," http://www.weas.gwu.edu/ifaf/hall_of_fame_inductees_2006.php; "The Nature of Radio and Electricity," Radio Broadcast 13 (July 1928): 135.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1928
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1981.0933.10
catalog number
1981.0933.10
accession number
1981.0933

Open Divided Scale

This 6" boxwood pocket ruler has a white celluloid coating along both long edges on both sides. On one side, the top edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. The bottom edge has scales for 3/8" and 3/4" to the foot.
Description
This 6" boxwood pocket ruler has a white celluloid coating along both long edges on both sides. On one side, the top edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. The bottom edge has scales for 3/8" and 3/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to centimeters, numbered from left to right by twos from 2 to 12, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 6. The middle of this side is marked: U.S. ST'D. It is also marked: P. M. LARSEN.
The top edge of the other side has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by twos from 2 to 8, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 4. The bottom edge has scales for 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by fours from 4 to 44, and numbered from right to left by twos from 0 to 22. The middle of this side is marked: P. M. LARSEN.
Draftsmen used these scales to make construction drawings. Keuffel & Esser sold a similar scale as model 1399P from 1913 to at least 1936. The price in 1913 was $1.35. This object was probably made about the same time as 1981.0933.14, in the 1910s.
William J. Ellenberger (1908–2008) donated this object, which he presumably acquired secondhand from P. M. Larsen. Ellenberger studied electrical and mechanical engineering at The George Washington University between 1925 and 1934. He then worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company and the National Bureau of Standards. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a civilian construction management engineer for the army from 1954 to 1968, when he became a private consultant.
References: Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 34th ed. (New York, 1913), 178; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 36th ed. (New York, 1921), 123; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 212; "The GW Engineering Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees," http://www.weas.gwu.edu/ifaf/hall_of_fame_inductees_2006.php.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
ID Number
1981.0933.15
accession number
1981.0933
catalog number
1981.0933.15

Diagonal Gauging Rod Signed J. Long

This boxwood rule has six cylindrical segments with brass ends that can be screwed together to form a total length of 60 inches. One scale on the object measures inches, divided to tenths of an inch. It was used to determine the length of the diagonal of a barrel.
Description
This boxwood rule has six cylindrical segments with brass ends that can be screwed together to form a total length of 60 inches. One scale on the object measures inches, divided to tenths of an inch. It was used to determine the length of the diagonal of a barrel. The second scale is proportionally divided and numbered from 1 to 400. The user compared the diagonal length in inches to this scale to determine the volume of the barrel in imperial gallons, a unit of measure adopted by the United Kingdom in 1824.
The fifth segment is marked: J. LONG MAKER 43 EASTCHEAP LONDON. The firm established by Joseph Long in 1821 continued to make hydrometers and other instruments after Long's death around 1846. From 1885 to 1936, the firm was located at 43 Eastcheap Street in London.
A leather pouch has pockets for each of the segments. The flap of the pouch is marked: W.
References: Jonathan Cape, A Course of Mathematics: Principally Designed for Students in the East India Company's Military College, 5th ed., vol. 1 (London, 1857), 561; Luke Hebert, The Engineer's and Mechanic's Encyclopedia, vol. 1 (London, 1886), 618–620; Gloria Clifton, Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers (London: National Maritime Museum, 1995), 171–172.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885–1936
maker
Long, Joseph
ID Number
1980.0588.05
accession number
1980.0588
catalog number
1980.0588.05

Persian Drah

This wooden rectangular rule is reported to be a Persian drah, or pic, and said to have been used for measuring dry goods. It is divided on two sides by roughly cut arrows and vertical lines. One side has Persian characters inside circles at both ends.
Description
This wooden rectangular rule is reported to be a Persian drah, or pic, and said to have been used for measuring dry goods. It is divided on two sides by roughly cut arrows and vertical lines. One side has Persian characters inside circles at both ends. On that side, the divisions are at: 4.5, 8.8*, 13.2, 17.4*, 21.5, 25.9, 30.0, 34.3*, 38.5, 42.7, 47.1, 51.2*, 55.5, 59.7*, and 64.1 cm. Divisions with an * are marked with an arrow rather than a line on the rule. These divisions are spaced apart 1 centimeter further than the divisions on another Persian drah, 1979.0991.01. On the other side, all of the divisions are vertical lines, at: 11.7, 23.0, 34.2, 45.5, and 57.0 cm.
In 1892 the U.S. Department of State transferred this object to the Smithsonian.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1979.0991.02
accession number
1979.0991
catalog number
166898

Triangular Chain Scale

This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side. One side has scales divided to 1/10" (numbered by ones from 0 to 12) and 1/40" (numbered by twos from 0 to 48). This side is marked: U. S. ST'D.
Description
This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side. One side has scales divided to 1/10" (numbered by ones from 0 to 12) and 1/40" (numbered by twos from 0 to 48). This side is marked: U. S. ST'D. The second side has scales divided to 1/60" (numbered by twos from 0 to 72) and 1/30" (numbered by twos from 0 to 36). The third side has scales divided to 1/50" (numbered by twos from 0 to 60) and 1/20" (numbered by twos from 0 to 24). Initials are carved in one end of the rule: HW.
Unlike, for instance, 1981.0933.10, the numbers are engraved inside the indentations. W. & L. E. Gurley and the Eugene Dietzgen Company sold similar scales in the early 20th century for about one dollar.
William J. Ellenberger (1908–2008), who donated this object, studied electrical and mechanical engineering at The George Washington University between 1925 and 1934. He then worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company and the National Bureau of Standards. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a civilian construction management engineer for the army from 1954 to 1968, when he became a private consultant.
References: Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 7th ed. (Chicago, 1904), 160; W. & L. E. Gurley, A Manual of the Principal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying, 46th ed. (Troy, N.Y., 1912), 405; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 12th ed. (Chicago, 1926), 168; "The GW Engineering Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees," http://www.weas.gwu.edu/ifaf/hall_of_fame_inductees_2006.php.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
1981.0933.11
catalog number
1981.0933.11
accession number
1981.0933

Plotting Scale Signed Benjamin Rittenhouse

On one side this brass rule has a 5-1/2" plotting scale, divided to 1/2" and numbered by ones from 4 to 1, with a diagonal scale at the right end. Below the plotting scale is a line of chords and a 6" scale divided to 1/8" and numbered by ones from 1 to 6.
Description
On one side this brass rule has a 5-1/2" plotting scale, divided to 1/2" and numbered by ones from 4 to 1, with a diagonal scale at the right end. Below the plotting scale is a line of chords and a 6" scale divided to 1/8" and numbered by ones from 1 to 6. This side is marked: Made by Benjamin Rittenhouse. The other side has architect's scales dividing the inch into 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, and 15 parts.
Benjamin Rittenhouse (1740–1825) was born in Norriton, Penn., and probably learned to make clocks and compasses from his older brother, David Rittenhouse. He served as superintendent of the gunlock factory in Philadelphia during the Revolution, returning to his house in Worcester Township after the war. His surveyor's chain, made by order of Congress in 1796, was adopted as the standard of the U.S. Land Office. He was also the most prolific compass maker working in North America in the late 18th century. He used the signature on this instrument between 1785 and 1796. Rittenhouse went bankrupt in 1801 and spent his latter years in Philadelphia.
The previous owner of this instrument, Samuel W. Pennypacker II (1910–1980), was the grandson of Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker (1846–1916), who served as governor of Pennsylvania between 1903 and 1907, and who in turn was the grandson of Mathias Pennypacker Jr. (1786–1852). Mathias served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and helped write the state's constitution in 1837. His father, Matthias (1742–1808), may have been the original purchaser of the instrument. Matthias's grandfather, Hendrick Pannebecker (1674–1754), was a surveyor for William Penn.
References: Deborah J. Warner, "Browse by Maker: B. Rittenouse," National Museum of American History Physical Sciences Collection: Surveying and Geodesy , http://amhistory.si.edu/surveying/maker.cfm?makerid=24; Francois Uzes, "David and Benjamin Rittenhouse," Virtual Museum of Surveying, http://www.surveyhistory.org/rittenhouse1.htm; Bruce R. Forman, "The Worcester Workshop of Benjamin Rittenhouse," Rittenhouse 2 (1988): 82–83; "Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker," http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=9987664; Samuel W. Pennypacker, Henrick Pannebecker: Surveyor of Lands for the Penns (Philadelphia, 1894); accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1785–1796
maker
Rittenhouse, Benjamin
ID Number
1980.0676.01
catalog number
1980.0676.01
accession number
1980.0676

Keuffel & Esser 1634 Triangular Chain Scale

This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side. One side has scales divided to 1/20" (numbered by ones from 0 to 24) and 1/50" (numbered by twos from 0 to 60). This side is marked: 1634 KEUFFEL & ESSER Co. N.Y.
Description
This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side. One side has scales divided to 1/20" (numbered by ones from 0 to 24) and 1/50" (numbered by twos from 0 to 60). This side is marked: 1634 KEUFFEL & ESSER Co. N.Y. The second side has scales divided to 1/40" (numbered by twos from 0 to 48) and 1/80" (numbered by fours from 0 to 96). The third side has scales divided to 1/30" (numbered by twos from 0 to 36) and 1/60" (numbered by fours from 0 to 72). One end of the rule is marked: LARSEN.
The Eugene Dietzgen Company sold model 1626 from at least 1904, when it cost 90¢, to at least 1952, when it cost $2.30. William J. Ellenberger (1908–2008), who donated this object, studied electrical and mechanical engineering at The George Washington University between 1925 and 1934. He then worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company and the National Bureau of Standards. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a civilian construction management engineer for the army from 1954 to 1968, when he became a private consultant.
References: Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 7th ed. (Chicago, 1904), 160; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 12th ed. (Chicago, 1926), 168; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 14th ed. (Chicago, 1931), 189; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 16th ed. (Chicago, 1952), 215; "The GW Engineering Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees," http://www.weas.gwu.edu/ifaf/hall_of_fame_inductees_2006.php.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1913–1921
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1981.0933.12
catalog number
1981.0933.12
accession number
1981.0933

Stanley Rule and Level Co. Meter Stick for American Metric Bureau

The Stanley Rule and Level Company made this square maple meter stick around 1880 for the American Metric Bureau (AMB).
Description
The Stanley Rule and Level Company made this square maple meter stick around 1880 for the American Metric Bureau (AMB). The AMB intended to use the rule to teach the metric system—unlike other rules on the market that had both British and metric units, this one had only metric markings—but the AMB's secretary, Melville Dewey, also hoped to make his personal fortune from selling metric supplies. One side of the stick is plain. The next is divided along both edges to millimeters and numbered by tens of centimeters from 10 to 90. The next side is graduated in centimeters by alternate markings of black paint. It is numbered by tens from 10 to 90. The fourth side is divided into decimeters, with alternate decimeters in plain wood or black paint. It is numbered by ones from 1 to 9. The fourth decimeter is marked: AM. METRIC BUREAU (/) BOSTON. The sixth decimeter is marked: STANLEY RULE (/) & LEVEL Co. (/) NEW BRITAIN. CONN. Compare to 1990.3012.01.
References: Peggy Aldrich Kidwell, "Publicizing the Metric System in America from F. R. Hassler to the American Metric Bureau," Rittenhouse 5 (1991): 111–117; Peggy Aldrich Kidwell, Amy Ackerberg-Hastings, and David Lindsay Roberts, Tools of American Mathematics Teaching, 1800–2000 (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008), 187–190; Philip E. Stanley, Boxwood & Ivory: Stanley Traditional Rules, 1855–1975 (Westborough, Mass.: The Stanley Publishing Company, 1984), 70.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
maker
Stanley Rule and Level Company
ID Number
1979.0992.10
accession number
1979.0992
catalog number
1979.0992.10

Persian Drah

This wooden rectangular rule is reported to be a Persian drah, or pic, a unit of length measure used in surveying and architecture. According to Russ Rowlett, the pic (or pik) was a traditional unit of distance in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East.
Description
This wooden rectangular rule is reported to be a Persian drah, or pic, a unit of length measure used in surveying and architecture. According to Russ Rowlett, the pic (or pik) was a traditional unit of distance in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East. An "arm" unit, like the ell, the pic varied considerably. A typical value was about 28 inches (71 centimeters). This example is divided on one side in pencil and on the other with carved notches. The divisions on the pencil side are at: 3.0, 6.3, 9.6, 12.7, 25.3, 28.3, 31.6, 37.8, 50.3, 53.4, 56.6, 59.8, and 62.7 cm. The divisions on the notched side are at: 12.5, 15.7, 18.8, 21.8, 25.0, 37.9, 41.0, 44.2, 47.1, 50.2, 56.2, 59.2, and 62.3 cm.
The pencil side is marked at the right end: teheran (/) dept of State. In 1892, the U.S. Department of State transferred this object to the Smithsonian.
Reference: Russ Rowlett, How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement, July 11, 2005, http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/index.html.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1979.0991.01
accession number
1979.0991
catalog number
166897

Dietzgen 1626 Triangular Open Divided Architect's Scale

This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side. On one side, one edge has a scale divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge has scales for 3/32" and 3/16" to the foot.
Description
This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side. On one side, one edge has a scale divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge has scales for 3/32" and 3/16" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/32", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 124, and numbered from right to left by twos from 0 to 62. This side is marked: 1626 DIETZGEN U.S. ST'D.
One edge of the second side has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by twos from 0 to 20 and from right to left by ones from 0 to 10. The other edge has scales for 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 92 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 46.
One edge of the third side has scales for 3/8" and 3/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/8", numbered from left to right by twos from 0 to 28 and from right to left by ones from 0 to 14. The other edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1-1/2", numbered from left to right by ones from 0 to 4 and from right to left by ones from 0 to 2. Some of the numberings are inside the indentations, similar to 1981.0933.11.
The Eugene Dietzgen Company sold model 1626 from at least 1904, when it cost 90¢, to at least 1926, when it cost $1.20. William J. Ellenberger (1908–2008), who donated this object, studied electrical and mechanical engineering at The George Washington University between 1925 and 1934. He then worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company and the National Bureau of Standards. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a civilian construction management engineer for the army from 1954 to 1968, when he became a private consultant.
References: Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 7th ed. (Chicago, 1904), 160; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 12th ed. (Chicago, 1926), 168; "The GW Engineering Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees," http://www.weas.gwu.edu/ifaf/hall_of_fame_inductees_2006.php.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Eugene Dietzgen Company
ID Number
1981.0933.13
catalog number
1981.0933.13
accession number
1981.0933

Keuffel & Esser 1419P Chain Scale

This 6" boxwood pocket ruler has a white celluloid coating along both long edges on both sides. On one side, the top edge is divided to 1/10" and numbered by ones in both directions from 0 to 6.
Description
This 6" boxwood pocket ruler has a white celluloid coating along both long edges on both sides. On one side, the top edge is divided to 1/10" and numbered by ones in both directions from 0 to 6. The bottom edge is divided to 1/40" and numbered by twos in both directions from 0 to 24. The middle of this side is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER (/) N.Y.; PARAGON (/) 1419P; TRADE MARK (below the K&E eagle logo). It is also marked: LARSEN.
The other side is divided along the top edge to 1/50" and numbered by twos in both directions from 0 to 30. The bottom edge is divided to 1/30" and numbered by twos in both directions from 0 to 18. The middle of this side is marked: LARSEN. An orange leather sheath is marked: K & E CO. The back of the sheath is marked: P. M. L.
Keuffel & Esser of New York City sold model 1419P with a celluloid coating from 1913, for $1.35, to at least 1954, for $4.20. The markings on this example suggest it was made between 1913 and 1921.
William J. Ellenberger (1908–2008) donated this object, which he presumably acquired secondhand from P. M. Larsen. Ellenberger studied electrical and mechanical engineering at The George Washington University between 1925 and 1934. He then worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company and the National Bureau of Standards. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a civilian construction management engineer for the army from 1954 to 1968, when he became a private consultant.
References: Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 33rd ed. (New York, 1909), 184; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 34th ed. (New York, 1913), 177; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 36th ed. (New York, 1921), 124; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 213; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 42nd ed. (New York, 1954), 182; "The GW Engineering Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees," http://www.weas.gwu.edu/ifaf/hall_of_fame_inductees_2006.php.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1913–1921
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1981.0933.14
accession number
1981.0933
catalog number
1981.0933.14

Keuffel & Esser 1621P Architects' Triangular Scale

This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side, and the sides are faced with white celluloid. On one side, one edge has a scale divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge has scales for 3/32" and 3/16" to the foot.
Description
This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side, and the sides are faced with white celluloid. On one side, one edge has a scale divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge has scales for 3/32" and 3/16" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/32", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 124, and numbered from right to left by twos from 0 to 62. This side is marked: 1621P KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y. PARAGON.
One edge of the second side has scales for 1" and 1/2" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by ones from 0 to 10 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 20. The other edge has scales fro 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 92 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 46.
One edge of the third side has scales for 3/4" and 3/8" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/8", numbered from left to right by ones from 0 to 14 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 28. The other edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1-1/2", numbered from left to right by twos from 0 to 4 and from right to left by ones from 0 to 2. This side is marked: RHW.
A triangular green cardboard box has masking tape at both ends. A red and green paper label is marked: K + E PARAGON (/) ARCHITECTS' TRIANGULAR SCALE (/) 1621P 12 IN. (/) MADE IN U.S.A. TM'S REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.
Keuffel & Esser began to offer model 1621P between 1901 and 1909, when it cost $2.50. The firm introduced the logo shown on the box in 1943. In 1944, this instrument sold for $7.50. The company changed its model numbers in 1962. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).
References: Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 33rd ed. (New York, 1909), 190; Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 40th ed. (New York, 1944), 138.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943–1962
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1998.0032.04
catalog number
1998.0032.04
accession number
1998.0032

Keuffel & Esser 1419W Chain Scale

The front of this white and green plastic rule with beveled edges has a scale divided to 1/10" and numbered by ones from 0 to 6 along its top edge. The bottom edge has a scale for 1/4" to the foot, divided to 1/40" and numbered by twos from 0 to 24.
Description
The front of this white and green plastic rule with beveled edges has a scale divided to 1/10" and numbered by ones from 0 to 6 along its top edge. The bottom edge has a scale for 1/4" to the foot, divided to 1/40" and numbered by twos from 0 to 24. The rule is marked: K+E 1419W KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. The back has scales for 3/8" to the foot, divided to 1/50" and numbered by twos from 0 to 30, and for 5/16" to the foot, divided to 1/30" and numbered by twos from 0 to 18. A brown leather sheath holds the rule. Compare to 1981.0933.14 and 1998.0032.09.
Keuffel & Esser began offering model 1419 in plastic in 1949. At $1.80, the instrument represented a significant savings over the $4.20 price for the boxwood version of model 1419. The trade-off was that the marks were not engine-divided. The firm changed its model numbers in 1962. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).
References: Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 41st ed. (New York, 1949), 153, 159; Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Andrew Alpern Collection of Drawing Instruments (Columbia University, 2007), 105, http://www.columbiauniversity.org/cu/lweb/img/assets/8897/alpern.pdf; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949–1962
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1998.0032.08
catalog number
1998.0032.08
accession number
1998.0032

Société Genevoise 103 Meter Standard

This meter standard is made from invar, an alloy of nickel (36%), iron (63.5%), and manganese (0.5%) invented by Swiss scientist Charles Édouard Guillaume in 1896 and known for its low coefficient of thermal expansion.
Description
This meter standard is made from invar, an alloy of nickel (36%), iron (63.5%), and manganese (0.5%) invented by Swiss scientist Charles Édouard Guillaume in 1896 and known for its low coefficient of thermal expansion. Although the metal remains uniform in size throughout changes in temperature, it is prone to corrosion from acid and so a note received with the instrument warns users not to touch it with bare hands.
The bar is H-shaped in cross-section to minimize bending and warping of the scale. On one side, the crossbar is divided to millimeters and numbered by ones from 0 to 100. (The mm lines are very faint.) The lower left corner of the frame on this side is marked: S.I.P. GENEVE. On the other side, the top left corner of the frame is marked: INVAR. The crossbar is marked: 103. Extra cushioning has been added to a wooden case.
The Société Genevoise d'Instruments de Physique (SIP, or Geneva Society of Physical Instruments) began manufacturing scientific instruments in 1862. In 1870 the firm expanded into electrical equipment and into precision measuring devices. It advertised invar meter standards in 1900, although the apparent equivalent of this example is listed as model number 131. It sold for 300 francs. No model number 103 is listed in the 1900 catalog.
The Weston Electrical Instrument Company, established by chemist Edward Weston in Newark, N.J., in 1888, owned this object and may have used it as the firm's house standard. The company was best known for photographic light meters until its product lines were disbursed to other firms in a series of takeovers in the early 1980s. Charles J. Mulhern (1925–1994), an engineer at Weston, collected this object when the company's museum was dismantled in the 1970s.
References: Illustrated Price List of Physical and Mechanical Instruments Made by the Société Genevoise(Geneva, 1900), 20–22; Bénédict Frommel, "Société genevoise d'instruments de physique (SIP)," Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, Berne, 1998–2012, http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/f/F41920.php; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Societe Genevoise d’Instruments de Physique
ID Number
2000.0126.25
catalog number
2000.0126.25
accession number
2000.0126

Safe-T 43032 4-in-1 Primary Rule

On one side, this 12" white plastic ruler has a scale of inches without any subdivisions along one edge and a scale of inches divided to 1/2" along the other edge. The ruler is marked: SAFE-T Products™, Inc. (/) Bensenville, IL 60106-0316.
Description
On one side, this 12" white plastic ruler has a scale of inches without any subdivisions along one edge and a scale of inches divided to 1/2" along the other edge. The ruler is marked: SAFE-T Products™, Inc. (/) Bensenville, IL 60106-0316. It is also marked: 4-in-1 PRIMARY SAFE-T RULER® 43032. It is also marked: SAFE-T PLASTIC®.
The other side has a scale of 30 centimeters along one edge, without any subdivisions, and a scale of inches divided to 1/4" along the other edge. This side is marked: 4-in-1 PRIMARY SAFE-T RULER® 43032. It is also marked: SAFE-T PLASTIC®.
Safe-T Products, Inc., was established in La Grange, Ill., in 1992 to make drawing instruments that were safe for children. Since model 43032 was flexible, it could also be used to measure arcs and circles. It sold for 89¢ in 2000. In 2006 Safe-T was absorbed into Classroom Products Warehouse of Vernon Hills, Ill.
References: Classroom Products Warehouse, "About Us," http://www.classroomproductswarehouse.com/cpw/aboutus.jsp; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000
distributor
Extra Measures, Inc.
maker
Safe-T Products, Inc.
ID Number
2000.0160.13
accession number
2000.0160
catalog number
2000.0160.13

Pair of Keuffel & Esser 1375P-20 Chain Scales with Drafting Machine Mounts

These beveled boxwood rules are faced with white celluloid on the sloping edges. On both rules, one edge is divided to 1/32" and numbered by ones twice. The 18-3/4" rule is numbered from 0 to 36 and from 0 to 18, and the 12-3/4" rule is numbered from 0 to 24 and from 0 to 12.
Description
These beveled boxwood rules are faced with white celluloid on the sloping edges. On both rules, one edge is divided to 1/32" and numbered by ones twice. The 18-3/4" rule is numbered from 0 to 36 and from 0 to 18, and the 12-3/4" rule is numbered from 0 to 24 and from 0 to 12. The other edge is divided to 1/32" and numbered by ones. The longer rule is numbered from 0 to 72, and the shorter rule is numbered from 0 to 48. As marks on the rules indicate, the first scale is "half size" and "full size," for making drawings at proportions of 1/2" and 1" to the foot. The other scale is "quarter size," for making drawings at proportions of 1/4" to the foot.
The rules are marked: PARAGON 1375P-20 K+E KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. Both ends of both rules have irregularly-shaped aluminum mounts that may be screwed to a drafting machine. A green cardboard box for the shorter rule is marked at one end: K+E PARAGON (/) DRAFT. MACH. SCALE (/) 1375P-20 12 IN. (/) MADE IN U.S.A. TRADE MARKS ®.
Keuffel & Esser was selling drafting machine scales in various configurations by 1936. The firm introduced model 1375P-20 sometime between 1943 and 1954. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).
References: Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 206–207; Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 42nd ed. (New York, 1954), 176.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1998.0032.14
catalog number
1998.0032.14
accession number
1998.0032

Safe-T 43033 Fold-n-Rule

This orange plastic ruler has a 12" scale divided to 1/16" on one edge and a 30 cm scale divided to millimeters on the other edge. The rule is marked: Fold-n-RuleTM by SAFE-TTM. It is also marked: SAFE-T PLASTICTM #43033.
Description
This orange plastic ruler has a 12" scale divided to 1/16" on one edge and a 30 cm scale divided to millimeters on the other edge. The rule is marked: Fold-n-RuleTM by SAFE-TTM. It is also marked: SAFE-T PLASTICTM #43033. The shatter-resistant ruler folds in half to fit in a pocket, purse, or pencil box. It was received in clear plastic packaging with a cardboard label. According to the donor, the ruler was designed for use with an overhead projector. It sold for $1.39 in 2000.
References: Safe-T/Basics by Extra Measures, Inc., about 2000; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000
distributor
Extra Measures, Inc.
maker
Safe-T Products, Inc.
ID Number
2000.0160.09
accession number
2000.0160
catalog number
2000.0160.09

Pair of Charles Bruning 2711P Chain Scales with Drafting Machine Mounts

Along one edge, both of these beveled white molded plastic rules have scales for 1" to a foot, 1/2" to a foot, and divided to 1/2" and numbered from left to right by twos and by ones.
Description
Along one edge, both of these beveled white molded plastic rules have scales for 1" to a foot, 1/2" to a foot, and divided to 1/2" and numbered from left to right by twos and by ones. The 18-1/2" rule is numbered from 0 to 32 and from 0 to 17, and the 12-1/2" rule is numbered from 0 to 20 and from 1 to 11. The other edge has scales for 1/4" to a foot, 1/8" to a foot, and divided to 1/8" and numbered from left to right by fours and by twos. The larger rule is numbered from 0 to 140 and from 0 to 46, and the smaller rule is numbered from 0 to 92 and from 0 to 46. Both rules are marked: 1 1/2 (/) CHARLES BRUNING CO. (/) 1/8 1/4.
Both ends of both rules have aluminum mounts for attaching to a drafting machines. The mounts are marked: VARD INC. (/) PATENT NO. (/) 2192422. Vard Beecher Wallace (1901–1988) of Sierra Madre, Calif., applied for a patent for these attachments in 1939 and received it the next year. He and a partner, Paul H. Ford, operated Vard Mechanical Laboratory, which supplied drafting machines to aircraft engineers such as Allen Lockheed and Jack Northrop, for whom Wallace had previously worked. The firm was renamed Vard, Inc., by 1945 and was purchased by Royal Industries in 1959. See also 1998.0032.12.
Charles Bruning (1866–1931) was born in Denmark and immigrated to the United States. In Chicago during the 1890s, he became interested in the blue print business. In 1897 he set up his own blue printing company in Manhattan, which was incorporated as the New York Blue Print Paper Company in 1901. Around 1920 he purchased American Blue Print Company of Chicago, and the combined firms became known as the Charles Bruning Company, Inc.
The company began selling these rules in white plastic as model 2711P, style B, in 1952. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).
References: Vard B. Wallace, "Drafting Instrument Chuck and Wrench" (U.S. Patent 2,192,422 issued March 5, 1940); Bruce Butler, "Vard Wallace," Glendora Friends Church blog, May 3, 2010, http://glendorafriendschurch.blogspot.com/2010/05/vard-wallace.html; Patrick Conyers and Cedar Phillips, Pasadena 1940–2008, Images of America (Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia Publishing, 2009), 59; "Charles Bruning," New York Times (January 31, 1931), 14; Charles Bruning Company, Inc., General Catalog, 15th ed. (New York, 1952), 176.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952–1959
maker
Charles Bruning Company
ID Number
1998.0032.13
catalog number
1998.0032.13
accession number
1998.0032

Safe-T Pro>Ruler Combination Protractor, Triangle, and Ruler, Group of 2

These clear plastic objects are two different sizes of the same instrument. Each instrument consists of two rectangular pieces with half-discs at one end. The pieces are held together at their curved ends with a metal thumbscrew, so the instrument resembles a sector.
Description
These clear plastic objects are two different sizes of the same instrument. Each instrument consists of two rectangular pieces with half-discs at one end. The pieces are held together at their curved ends with a metal thumbscrew, so the instrument resembles a sector. The top half-disc has a magnifier for reading from the scale of degrees, numbered by tens from 180 to zero, around the edge of the bottom half-disc. Besides measuring angles, the protractor may be used to open the rectangular pieces to a desired angle. Then, an angle or triangle may be drawn along the inside edges, which are marked with a centimeter scale divided to millimeters.
The outer edge is also marked with a centimeter scale that may be used by fully opening the instrument. The larger instrument has an overall width of 60cm, and the smaller instrument is 30cm across. The device can draw and measure lines and measure three-dimensional angles.
The larger instrument is marked: PRO > RULERTM #43052 (/) SAFE-T PRODUCTSTM, Inc. (/) LaGrange, IL 60525-0692. One of the flat ends is stamped with the number 2, and the other flat end is stamped with the number 3. The smaller instrument is marked: PRO > RULERTM by SAFE-TTM (/) #43051 (/) View-ThruTM SAFE-T PLASTICTM (/) LaGrange, IL 60592-0692. Both of the flat ends are stamped with the number 2.
The larger instrument is in a plastic envelope with instructions on the back. The back is marked: Made in Taiwan. It is also marked: PATENTED U.S., R.O.C., AUSTRALIA, GERMANY AND P.R.C. The smaller instrument is in a plastic envelope with a paper sheet of instructions. This sheet is marked: Made in Taiwan. It is also marked: PATENTED R.O.C., AUSTRALIA, GERMANY AND P.R.C. U.S. AND CANADIAN PATENTS PENDING. Thus, the smaller instrument is probably slightly older than the larger one. The patents were not identified, but the donor reported that the inventor was from Taiwan.
Extra Measures, Inc., distributed this instrument in the United States. In 2000, model number 43051 sold for $3.50, while the "jumbo" sized model number 43052 sold for $18.95. For company history, see 2000.0160.04.
Reference: accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2000
associated date
2000
distributor
Extra Measures, Inc.
maker
Safe-T Products, Inc.
ID Number
2000.0160.12
accession number
2000.0160
catalog number
2000.0160.12

Safe-T Meter Stick and Inch Rule

This hollow white plastic instrument has paper scales. One side has a 39-inch ruler, divided to 1/8" along the top and to 1/2" along the bottom. Alternate pairs of half-inches are colored orange on the bottom scale.
Description
This hollow white plastic instrument has paper scales. One side has a 39-inch ruler, divided to 1/8" along the top and to 1/2" along the bottom. Alternate pairs of half-inches are colored orange on the bottom scale. The interior of this side has a recycling symbol around the number 7. The rule is marked: P.O. BOX 692 La Grange, IL 60525 SAFE-T RULERTM.
The other side is a meter stick, divided along the top to millimeters and along the bottom to centimeters. Alternate centimeters are colored blue on the bottom scale. The rule is marked: SAFE-TTM METER STICK. According to the donor, this meter stick is designed so that the straight edge is at some distance from the chalk or dry erase board.
Safe-T Products, Inc., was established in the northwest Chicago suburbs in 1992 to manufacture and sell drawing instruments that were safe for children. Thus, the plastic of this instrument is shatter-resistant. It sold for $12.95 in 2000. For company history, see 2000.0160.04.
References: Safe-T/Basics by Extra Measures, Inc., about 2000; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000
distributor
Extra Measures, Inc.
maker
Safe-T Products, Inc.
ID Number
2000.0160.05
accession number
2000.0160
catalog number
2000.0160.05

Safe-T 43062 Flat Flexible Rule

This flexible clear plastic ruler has an 18" scale divided to 1/16" on one edge and a 45.7 cm scale divided to millimeters on the other edge. The rule is marked: VIEW-THRU TM SAFE-T Ruler® 43062 SAFE-T PLASTIC® China.
Description
This flexible clear plastic ruler has an 18" scale divided to 1/16" on one edge and a 45.7 cm scale divided to millimeters on the other edge. The rule is marked: VIEW-THRU TM SAFE-T Ruler® 43062 SAFE-T PLASTIC® China. The donor noted that this instrument was useful for measuring on overhead projectors and around corners.
Safe-T Products, Inc., of La Grange, Ill., was established in 1992. In 2006, the company became a subsidiary of A. Daigger & Company and its name changed to Classroom Products Warehouse. For company history, see 2000.0160.04. This object sold for $1.50 in 2000.
References: Safe-T/Basics by Extra Measures, Inc., about 2000; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000
distributor
Extra Measures, Inc.
maker
Safe-T Products, Inc.
ID Number
2000.0160.11
accession number
2000.0160
catalog number
2000.0160.11

Dietzgen 1298-B Blackboard Rule

This three-foot wooden rule was sold as part of a set of instruments for blackboard use. It is divided to 1/8" along one edge and numbered in red for feet and in black for inches.
Description
This three-foot wooden rule was sold as part of a set of instruments for blackboard use. It is divided to 1/8" along one edge and numbered in red for feet and in black for inches. A horizontal handle in the center of the rule assists with positioning it against the blackboard, and a round hole at the right end is for hanging the instrument. The lower right corner is marked: DIETZGEN (/) MADE IN U.S.A. (/) 1298-B.
The Eugene Dietzgen Company of Chicago began numbering its blackboard drawing instruments individually by 1910, when it priced the four pieces at $1.25 each or $5.00 for the set. However, through at least 1938, the handle on the ruler was shaped like a knob, not as a horizontal bar. For related object, see 1999.0117.02.
The instrument was used by Margaret G. Aldrich teaching mathematics at Montgomery College, established as Montgomery Junior College in Takoma Park, Maryland.
References: Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 7th ed. (Chicago, 1904), 151; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 9th ed. (Chicago, 1910–1911), 194; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 15th ed. (Chicago, 1938), 210.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Eugene Dietzgen Company
ID Number
1999.0160.01
catalog number
1999.0160.01
accession number
1999.0160

Keuffel & Esser 1453P Chain Scale

This 12" boxwood rule is beveled along both long edges and faced with white celluloid. One edge is divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge is on the back of the rule and is divided to 1/32", numbered by ones from 0 to 12.
Description
This 12" boxwood rule is beveled along both long edges and faced with white celluloid. One edge is divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge is on the back of the rule and is divided to 1/32", numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The front of the rule is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER Co (/) N.Y. It is also marked: PARAGON. It also has K&E's eagle logo with the mark: TRADEMARK. It is also marked: RHW.
Keuffel & Esser added model 1453 to its Paragon line in 1936, when the model number was 1453PR and the price was $1.85. The model number was still 1453PR by 1954. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).
References: Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 214; Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 42nd ed. (New York, 1954), 184.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1998.0032.06
catalog number
1998.0032.06
accession number
1998.0032

Safe-T 43031 4-in-1 Math Rule

On one side, this 12" rigid white plastic ruler has a scale of inches divided to 1/16" along one edge and a scale of inches divided to 1/10" along the other edge. The ruler is marked: SAFE-T Products™, Inc. It is also marked: 4-in-1 MATH SAFE-T RULER® 43031.
Description
On one side, this 12" rigid white plastic ruler has a scale of inches divided to 1/16" along one edge and a scale of inches divided to 1/10" along the other edge. The ruler is marked: SAFE-T Products™, Inc. It is also marked: 4-in-1 MATH SAFE-T RULER® 43031. It is also marked: SAFE-T PLASTIC®.
The other side has a scale of 30 centimeters along one edge, divided to 1/2 cm, and a scale of 30 centimeters divided to millimeters along the other edge. The interior of this side has tables of metric equivalents for English units of length, area, weights, and capacity (volume). The corners of the ruler are rounded for safety.
Safe-T Products, Inc., of La Grange, Ill., was established in 1992. In 2006 the company became a subsidiary of A. Daigger & Company and its name changed to Classroom Products Warehouse. For company history, see 2000.0160.04. Around 2000, the model number for this object was changed from 43002 to 43031. It sold for 99¢.
References: Safe-T/Basics by Extra Measures, Inc., about 2000; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2000
distributor
Extra Measures, Inc.
maker
Safe-T Products, Inc.
ID Number
2000.0160.14
accession number
2000.0160
catalog number
2000.0160.14

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