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: 1940s

Sheet, Answer Sheet for Revised Form L and Form M Iowa High School Content Examination

For a general discussion of testing at the University of Iowa, including mention of this object, see 1990.0034.086.Currently not on view
Description
For a general discussion of testing at the University of Iowa, including mention of this object, see 1990.0034.086.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1943
maker
Meier, Norman C.
University of Iowa. Bureau of Educational Research and Service
ID Number
1989.0710.45
catalog number
1989.0710.45
accession number
1989.0710

The Pocket Book of Crossword Puzzles, Once Owned by Olive C. Hazlett

This paperbound book contains eighty crossword puzzles. The puzzles are almost all worked in ink, with a variety of annotations. The editor of the book was Margaret Petherbridge, and the publisher Pocket Books, Inc.
Description
This paperbound book contains eighty crossword puzzles. The puzzles are almost all worked in ink, with a variety of annotations. The editor of the book was Margaret Petherbridge, and the publisher Pocket Books, Inc. A mark on the cover reads: pb (/) The POCKET BOOK of (/) CROSSWORD (/) PUZZLES (/) 100 HOURS of PUZZLE PLEASURE. A mark inked on the title page reads: #210 (/) O.C. Hazlett.
The mathematician Olive C. Hazlett once owned tne book.
For related transactions see 2015.0027 and 1998.0314.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
maker
Petherbridge, Margaret
ID Number
2015.3004.03
nonaccession number
2015.3004
catalog number
2015.3004.03

IBM 749809 Punch Card, Employee's Statement of Earnings and Deductions, U.S. Naval Gun Factory

This punch card gives a statement of earnings and deductions for an employee of the U.S. Naval Gun Factory in Washington, D.C. in March of 1947. The card itself is not punched, although it lists a tag number, gross earnings, deductions, net pay, and the pay date.
Description
This punch card gives a statement of earnings and deductions for an employee of the U.S. Naval Gun Factory in Washington, D.C. in March of 1947. The card itself is not punched, although it lists a tag number, gross earnings, deductions, net pay, and the pay date. A mark on the card reads: EMPLOYEE' S STATEMENT OF EARNINGS AND DEDUCTIONS (/) U.S. NAVAL GUN FACTORY (/) WASHINGTON, D.C.
The object was collected from the files of departing curator David K. Allison. It's origin is unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1947
1947
ca 1947
maker
IBM
ID Number
2015.3169.07
nonaccession number
2015.3169
catalog number
2015.3169.07

Bruning 2420 Slide Rule

This one-sided, ten-inch slide rule is made from white molded plastic. The indicator has a metal frame. The base of the rule has an A scale at the top and D and K scales at the bottom. The slide has B, CI and C scales on one side and S, L, and T scales on the other.
Description
This one-sided, ten-inch slide rule is made from white molded plastic. The indicator has a metal frame. The base of the rule has an A scale at the top and D and K scales at the bottom. The slide has B, CI and C scales on one side and S, L, and T scales on the other. The edges of the rule are beveled with a twenty-five centimeter scale along the bottom edge, divided to millimeters. The top edge has a twelve-inch scale, divided to 1/16".
The back of the rule has tables of equivalents to be used from converting between metric and common measures, as well as a few common formulae. Four metal screws hold the instrument together.
The rule fits in a sturdy paper case covered with what appears to be black plastic. A leather flap at one end snaps to close the case
A paper "Instruction Manual for 10-Inch Pocket Slide Rule A-B-CI-C-D-K-S-L. and T Scales" comes with the instrument. It is copyrighted 1943.
According to the donor, the instrument was given to him by an uncle, Frank Vignola, who worked at a New York City industrial machine shop during World War II. The shop made landing gear struts for carrier based aircraft.
Compare 1998.0032.09.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1945
maker
Charles Bruning Company
ID Number
2015.0168.01
accession number
2015.0168
catalog number
2015.0168.01

Keuffel & Esser 4098A Mannheim Simplex Slide Rule

This five-inch white Xylonite (celluloid) linear slide rule has A and D scales on the base, with B and C scales on one side of the slide and S and T scales on the other side of the slide. All scales are divided logarithmically. The slide is not reversible.
Description
This five-inch white Xylonite (celluloid) linear slide rule has A and D scales on the base, with B and C scales on one side of the slide and S and T scales on the other side of the slide. All scales are divided logarithmically. The slide is not reversible. The top of the base is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.; MADE IN U.S.A. The right end of the slide is marked: < 4098A >. The indicator is frameless plastic with plastic edges and metal screws.
The back of the slide rule has a scale of 5 inches divided to sixteenths of an inch and a scale of 13 centimeters divided to millimeters. The left end of the back of the rule is marked with a serial number: 79883. The back is also marked in gold: RCA MANUFACTURING CO. INC. The RCA logo (letters inside a circle) is to the right of this mark. The rule fits in a leather sheath marked: K & E CO. There is also black tape marked with the previous owner's name: L. MARTON.
Keuffel & Esser of New York sold model 4098A from 1936 to 1952. With the case, it cost $2.05 in 1936, $3.50 in 1947, and $4.50 in 1952. Compare to MA.322761, 1987.0634.01, and MA.308201.
Ladislaus L. (Bill) Marton (1901–1979) was born in Hungary, received his Ph.D. from the University of Zurich, and worked in Belgium from 1929 to 1938, where he and his wife, Claire, built one of the first electron microscopes. In 1938, he came to the United States, taking positions at the RCA Research Laboratories in Camden, N.J., and at the University of Pennsylvania. He presumably acquired the slide rule during this period; its serial number is consistent with a manufacturing date in the early 1940s. In 1946, he joined the National Bureau of Standards. After he retired in 1970, he was an honorary research associate in the Smithsonian's Electricity collections and left the slide rule in his desk.
References: Clark McCoy, "4098A Pocket Slide Rule," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEModels/ke4098Afamily.htm; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 324, 330; K&E Slide Rules and Calculating Instruments Price List (New York, 1947), 1; K&E Price List Applying to the 41st Edition Catalog (New York, 1951), 35; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1938-1946
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
2012.0023.01
accession number
2012.0023
catalog number
2012.0023.01

Guedon Pocket Simplex Slide Rule

This one-sided, five-inch steel linear slide rule is painted white. The scales are not lettered, but on the base they are equivalent to A and D scales and on the slide they are the equivalent of B, CI, and C scales. The bottom of the base is marked: GUEDON. CAMDEN. NEW JERSEY.
Description
This one-sided, five-inch steel linear slide rule is painted white. The scales are not lettered, but on the base they are equivalent to A and D scales and on the slide they are the equivalent of B, CI, and C scales. The bottom of the base is marked: GUEDON. CAMDEN. NEW JERSEY. It is also marked: PATENT PENDING and MADE IN U. S. A.
The base has grooves along the top and bottom of both the front and the back. The front grooves hold a celluloid indicator with concave curves on both sides. The back grooves hold a piece almost as wide as the base that serves as a support for the slide. The slide is a narrower metal piece, hooked to the support at both ends. The front of the support has a table for converting fractions to decimals; on the back are scales of 12.5 cm, divided to millimeters, and of 5 inches, divided to 32nds of an inch. The rule fits in a cardboard sleeve coated with brown synthetic leather.
According to a letter in the Keuffel & Esser collection at the MIT Museum, the Guedon company was making rules of this type in 1943 and selling them wholesale for 50 cents.
Reference: International Slide Rule Museum, "Miscellaneous USA," http://sliderulemuseum.com/MiscUSA.htm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s
maker
Guedon
ID Number
2009.3008.03
nonaccession number
2009.3008
catalog number
2009.3008.03

Instructions for Lasico Square Root Planimeter

This four-page pamphlet shows model 125 of the Lasico square root planimeter, which sold in the 1940s for $135.00. It had a tracer point, unlike the later model 2000-V (2011.0043.01 and 2011.0043.02), which had a tracer lens.
Description
This four-page pamphlet shows model 125 of the Lasico square root planimeter, which sold in the 1940s for $135.00. It had a tracer point, unlike the later model 2000-V (2011.0043.01 and 2011.0043.02), which had a tracer lens. The pamphlet explains how to read the instrument and apply its readings to rate of flow calculations.
Reference: Lasico Mathematical Engineering Instruments (Los Angeles: Los Angeles Scientific Instrument Company, [1940–1945]), B-9.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s
maker
Los Angeles Scientific Instrument Company
ID Number
2011.0043.01.01
accession number
2011.0043
catalog number
2011.0043.01.01

Graphical Firing Table M17 Slide Rule

This one-sided rule is made of two types of wood and painted white on top. The top edge is beveled and has a scale for 1:20,000 yards. The top of the base has scales for 100-yard shift, 33 1/3 yards, and range, with D and K scales at the bottom.
Description
This one-sided rule is made of two types of wood and painted white on top. The top edge is beveled and has a scale for 1:20,000 yards. The top of the base has scales for 100-yard shift, 33 1/3 yards, and range, with D and K scales at the bottom. The D scale is a standard logarithmic scale for multiplication, but the K scale is not a logarithmic scale for cubes. The bottom of the base is marked: GRAPHICAL FIRING TABLE. The top right corner is marked: B180971. The bottom right corner is marked: B180972. The clear plastic indicator has white plastic edges. A black wheel is inside the bottom edge of the rule.
Originally the instrument would have had three slides, including one with a standard logarithmic C scale, but this example has only one slide. The slide was used to position an 8-inch M1-type howitzer armed with high explosive M106 shells, M51 and M67 fuses, and charges of 5, 6, or 7. The howitzer was a U.S. Army cannon introduced around 1942 and used into the 1950s. One side of the slide is for setting the cannon at a high angle and has scales labeled ELEV., 10 M Si (change in elevation), DRIFT, and TF (time of flight). The other side is for setting the cannon to fire at long range and has scales labeled ELEV., c, DRIFT, and FS (fuse setting). The left end is marked: LONG RANGE (/) FT 8-J-1. This mark indicates the corresponding firing table. The right end is marked: GFT M17 (/) C81758.
The back has tables for accounting for the influence of changes in temperature and wind direction. A third table provides range limits for charges from 1 to 7. The right end is marked: TABLE, GRAPHICAL FIRING, (/) M17 (/) STOCK NO. 6574317 (/) 81873. A dark brown leather case has a belt loop and a strap for tying it to the leg. Two additional vertical pockets inside the case held the additional two slides. The flap is marked: CASE, CARRYING (/) M23 (/) D4130. Clark McCoy attributed the rule to Keuffel & Esser, a prominent New York slide rule manufacturer. For another graphical firing table, see 1977.1141.25. One use for the ENIAC and other early electronic digital computers was to compute artillery firing tables.
This example of the firing table was owned by Willard H. Eller (1892-1974), who chaired the physics department at the University of Hawaii from 1931 until 1957.
References: Dr. Ing. Federico Ramirez Santa-Pau, "The Artillery Graphical Firing Table: A Description of a Specialized Slide Rule," Journal of the Oughtred Society 9, no. 2 (2000): 17–20; Clark McCoy, "Graphical Firing Table Slide Rule," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KECollection/GraphicalFiring/K&E_GF_1.htm.
Robert M. Kamins and Robert E. Potter, Malamalama: A History of the University of Hawaii, Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1998.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1945
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
2015.0024.08
accession number
2015.0024
catalog number
2015.0024.08

Mathematical Table, Magic Multiplying Pencil, a Pencil-Multiplier

This device combines a cylindrical table for multiplying numbers from 2 to 12 by numbers from 2 to 12 with a mechanical pencil.
Description
This device combines a cylindrical table for multiplying numbers from 2 to 12 by numbers from 2 to 12 with a mechanical pencil. It has a wooden exterior painted red with a metal piece near the writing end (there is no lead in this example) and a yellow plastic cover for the table. A mark on the pencil reads: MAGIC (/) MULTIPLYING (/) PENCIL (/) TURN HERE (/) PAT. PEND. APEX PRODUCTS CORP. N Y C.
The pencil is stapled to a paper display card that reads in part: Sensation (/) of the (/) School Year! (/) MAGIC (/) MULTIPLYING (/) PENCIL. It also reads: [copyright symbol] Apex Products Corp., N. Y. C. (/) 1939 Made in U.S.A. Patent Pending.
References:
[Advertisement], The Hartford Courant, September 1, 1946, p. sm 16. Magic Multiplying Pencil selling for 15 cents.
[Advertisement], Chicago Daily Tribune, August 24, 1947, p. 90. Magic Multiplying Pencil advertised as selling for 14 cents.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1945
maker
Apex
ID Number
2017.0148.01
accession number
2017.0148
catalog number
2017.0148.01

Psychological Test, Minnesota Personality Scale (For Men)

Psychologists John Gordon Darley (1910-1990) and Walter J. McNamara (1908-1982) were both at the University of Minnesota in the late 1930s. Darley received his PhD. there in 1937 and worked in the Student Counseling Bureau.
Description
Psychologists John Gordon Darley (1910-1990) and Walter J. McNamara (1908-1982) were both at the University of Minnesota in the late 1930s. Darley received his PhD. there in 1937 and worked in the Student Counseling Bureau. He later would become an assistant to the dean of the graduate school, and then dean of the graduate school himself. McNamara was a graduate student who received his PhD. in 1938 and would work at IBM as an industrial psychologist, perhaps most notably creating a programmer’s aptitude test.
This is the first edition of a personality scale Darley and McNamara published in 1941. It was specifically designed to test the personality of men – they prepared a similar scale for women. Characteristics tested included morale, social adjustment, family relations, emotionality, and economic conservatism. This test did not prove as influential as another test of personality developed at the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.
Compare 1989.0710.31(also the 1941 test for men) and 1990.0034.059 (the 1941 test for women).
References:
American Psychological Association, 1962 Directory, ed. James Q. Holsopple, Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, 1962, p. 155, 481.
Taxler, A. E., “Psychological Tests and Their Uses,” Review of Educational Research, 14 #1, 1944, p. 56.
“Walter J. McNamara,” Rutland [Vermont] Daily Herald, May 10, 1982.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941
author
McNamara, W. J.
Darley, J. G.
maker
Psychological Corporation
ID Number
1990.0034.058
accession number
1990.0034
catalog number
1990.0034.058

Psychological Test with Directions, Monroe's Standardized Silent Reading Test Revised

Born in Kansas, Walter Scott Monroe (1882-1961) graduated from the University of Missouri about 1906 and received his PhD. from the University of Chicago for a study of the history of arithmetic teaching in the United States.
Description
Born in Kansas, Walter Scott Monroe (1882-1961) graduated from the University of Missouri about 1906 and received his PhD. from the University of Chicago for a study of the history of arithmetic teaching in the United States. He spent some time at Indiana University and at the Kansas State Normal School and from 1919 was on the faculty in education at the University of Illinois. He also was director of educational research there from 1921 to 1947.
The initial form of Monroe’s Standardized Silent Reading Tests was based on the Kansas Silent Reading Tests. This is a revised form, published by Public School Publishing Company in 1921. It was taken in 1940.
The test has 21 bits of text. Under each one are five words. Those taking the test were to draw a line under the word that best described a mood or condition describedpresented in the text.
Compare MA.316371.045.
References:
Monroe, W.S., “Development of Arithmetic as a School Subject,” United States Bureau of Education Bulletin, #10, 1917.
Monroe, W. S., A Report of the Use of the Courtis Standard Research Tests in Arithmetic in Twenty-four Cities, Topeka: Kansas State Printing Plant, 1915.
Monroe, W. S., “Monroe’s Standardized Silent Reading Tests,” Journal of Educational Psychology, 1918, 9, pp. 303-312.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940
maker
Public School Publishing Company
author
Monroe, Walter Scott
maker
Public School Publishing Company
ID Number
1990.0034.130
accession number
1990.0034
catalog number
1990.0034.130

Notebook, Shop Mathematics

This black notebook, distributed as War Department Technical Manual TM 9-2820, contains text and illustrations relating to practical aspects of mathematics. Topics discussed include arithmetic, algebra, plane and solid figures, trigonometry, and mechanics.
Description
This black notebook, distributed as War Department Technical Manual TM 9-2820, contains text and illustrations relating to practical aspects of mathematics. Topics discussed include arithmetic, algebra, plane and solid figures, trigonometry, and mechanics. Other chapters consider mathematics for such specific practitioners as machinists, sheet metal workers, electricians, and carpenters. Appendices give miscellaneous formulae and tables.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
From 1945-05-03
1945-05-03
Maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
maker
U.S. War Department
ID Number
1989.3123.01
nonaccession number
1989.3123
catalog number
1989.3123.01

Pamphlet, Manual of Directions California Test of Personality - Elementary Series

This is the manual of directions (not the test itself) for one version of the California Test of Personality.
Description
This is the manual of directions (not the test itself) for one version of the California Test of Personality. The California Test Bureau not only published tests of intelligence (mental maturity) and achievement, but also measures of personality like the one described in this document. These sought to measure personality adjustment and social effectiveness, and came in several forms. The “Primary Series” was for kindergarteners and children in grades one through three (see 1990.0034.123). The “Elementary Series,” which relates to these materials, was for grades four through nine. The “Intermediate Series” was for grades seven through ten (see 1990.0034.125). The “Secondary Series” was for grades 9 to 14 [sic] (see 1990.0034.126).
The authors the test were Ernest W. Tiegs (1891-1970), Willis W. Clark (1895-1964), and Louis P. Thorpe (1893-1970). Tiegs was a dean and professor of education at USC, Clark was director of administrative research for the Los Angeles public schools, and Thorpe was on the faculty in education at USC.
Reference:
Tiegs, Ernest W., Willis W. Clark, and Louis P. Thorpe. "The California Test of Personality," The Journal of Educational Research, 1941, 35, #2, pp.102-08.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
author
Thorpe, Louis P.
Clark, Willis W.
Tiegs, Ernest W.
publisher
California Test Bureau
ID Number
1990.0034.124
accession number
1990.0034
catalog number
1990.0034.124

Psychological Test Score Sheet, Wechsler-Bellvue Intelligence Scale for Adolescents and Adults

The Romanian-born psychologist David Wechsler (1896-1981) graduated from the City College of New York in 1916 and received his M.A. from Columbia University. During World War I, as an U.S. Army private, he was assigned to the testing program for draftees.
Description
The Romanian-born psychologist David Wechsler (1896-1981) graduated from the City College of New York in 1916 and received his M.A. from Columbia University. During World War I, as an U.S. Army private, he was assigned to the testing program for draftees. After the war he studied in London and Paris, and then earned his PhD. at Columbia in 1925.Wechsler worked for a time for the Psychological Corporation in New York and then, from 1932 to 1967, was chief psychologist at the Bellvue Psychiatric Hospital.
While at Bellvue, Wechsler published several intelligence tests. This is the record sheet for the Wechsler-Bellvue Adult and Adolescent Scales, published by the Psychological Corporation in 1947.
For materials relating to the Wechsler-Bellvue intelligence tests, see 1989.0710.28 as well as 1990.0034.034 through 1990.0034.041.
Reference:
Saxon, Wolfgang, “Dr. David Wechsler, 85, Author of Intelligence Tests,” New York Times, May 3, 1981.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1947
maker
Wechsler, David
Psychological Corporation
ID Number
1990.0034.040
accession number
1990.0034
catalog number
1990.0034.040

Keuffel & Esser 4081-3 Log Log Decitrig Duplex Slide Rule

This ten-inch two-sided slide rule is made from wood coated with white celluloid and held together with metal end pieces. There are L, LL1, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on one side of the base, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide.
Description
This ten-inch two-sided slide rule is made from wood coated with white celluloid and held together with metal end pieces. There are L, LL1, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on one side of the base, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The top of the base is marked in red: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.; PATS. RE.20,984 1,930,852 2,168,056 2,170,144 PAT. PEND.; MADE IN U.S.A. The right end of the slide is marked with the model number: < 4081-3 >. On the other side, there are LL0, LL00, A, D, DI, and K scales on the base and B, T, ST, and S scales on the slide. The left end of the slide and the front left corner of the base are marked with a serial number: 207806. A glass indicator with plastic edges is held together with metal screws. The top edge of the indicator is marked: PATENT 2,086,502. The bottom edge of the indicator is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.
The instrument fits in a cardboard case covered with black leather. Also in the case is a metal straight edge. The case is marked on the top of the flap: LOG LOG DUPLEX (/) TRADE TRIG MARK. The front of the flap is marked: 4080-3 (/) K + E. Stenciled on the case is: T. M. ROBB. Written on the inside of the flap is: THOMAS ROBB (/) SPAIN, AIR CREW.
This combination of scales was used from 1939 to 1947. The serial number on this example is consistent with a date later in this time frame. In 1947, this model sold with the leather case for $19.75. For later examples of model 4081-3, see MA.318482 and MA.334387. On the patents listed on this instrument, see 1992.0437.01 and 1999.0254.01.
Reference: "K + E Slide Rules and Calculating Instruments Price List," July 1, 1947, http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KECatalogs/1947/1947kecatprice01.htm.; Dieter von Jezierski, Slide Rules: A Journey Through Three Centuries, trans. Rodger Shepherd (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2000), 71–75.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939-1947
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1990.0687.01
accession number
1990.0687
catalog number
1990.0687.01

Sheet, Tests of General Educational Development - United States Armed Forces Institute. Answer Sheet: Test of Correctness and Effectiveness of Expression. Test 1 College Form B

During World War II, American psychologists and educators sought to find ways that soldiers could earn college credit for learning new material. Some argued that taking standardized tests of achievement should be sufficient.
Description
During World War II, American psychologists and educators sought to find ways that soldiers could earn college credit for learning new material. Some argued that taking standardized tests of achievement should be sufficient. Psychologists and educators working with the United States Armed Forces Institute at the University of Wisconsin, developed a series of tests for college achievement. This answer sheet, designed to be scored by machine, is for Test 1 in the battery, a test of correctness and effectiveness of expression. It is Form B of the test, a form distributed to civilian educators for review. Form A was used with veterans. Unlike the tests for high school achievement, the college-level tests were not widely used.
Objects 1989.0710.50, 1999.0710.51, 1989.0710.52, and 1989.0710.53 are all answer sheets for parts of this test. Objects 1989.0710.66 through 1989.0710.69 are related.
References:
Hutt, E., and Stevens, M., “From Soldiers to Students: The Tests of General Educational Development (GED) as a Diplomatic Measurement,” Social Science History, 2017, 41, pp. 731-755.
Quinn, Lois “An Institutional History of the GED,” in Heckman, James J., Humphries, John Eric, and Kautz, Tim (eds.) The Myth of Achievement Tests: The GED and the Role of Character in American Life, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2014, pp. 57–109.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1989.0710.50
catalog number
1989.0710.50
accession number
1989.0710

Psychological Test with Key and Class Record, Iowa Language Abilities Test. Intermediate Test: Form A

For a general discussion of testing at the University of Iowa, including mention of these objects, see 1990.0034.086.Currently not on view
Description
For a general discussion of testing at the University of Iowa, including mention of these objects, see 1990.0034.086.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1948
author
Greene, Harry A.
Ballenger, Harvey Leigh
publisher
World Book Company
ID Number
1990.0034.110
catalog number
1990.0034.110
accession number
1990.0034

Cobalt 60 secondary gamma-ray standard, 1 rd (10E6 dps)

Background on secondary gamma-ray standards, Object IDs 1994.0125.55, .56, .57, & .58Instruments used for radiation detection, measurements, or surveys need to be calibrated periodically.
Description
Background on secondary gamma-ray standards, Object IDs 1994.0125.55, .56, .57, & .58
Instruments used for radiation detection, measurements, or surveys need to be calibrated periodically. A radioactive source (not necessarily calibrated) is used to confirm the satisfactory operation of an instrument. A standard source is a radiation source exhibiting a disintegration (e.g., disintegrations per second or dps), emission or exposure rate certified by or traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), formerly the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). NIST maintains the primary radiation sources, and makes available and/or certifies secondary sources for instrument calibration. For details on survey instrument calibration, see:
http://www.rso.utah.edu/policies/rpr/52instrucare/52instrucare.pdf
Detailed description of Cobalt 60 secondary gamma-ray standard, 1 rd, Object 1994.0125.55
Glass ampoule, approximately 3” long, 5/8” in diam., held by cotton wool in test-tube shaped transparent container capped by a shiny steel screw-cap 5 3/4” long, 7/8” diam. About two-thirds of the ampoule volume contains a slightly pinkish-tinged liquid. A small paper label is glued on the ampoule with typed legend: Co[E]60 / “1 rd”.
Received with NBS certificate, dated 1948 Jan. 30, stating that the ampoule contains 1.59 rutherfords (rd) per milliliter, and a subsequent correction that it contains 1.59 rd, total. (Herbert Clark’s letter 1994 May 4, identifies the rutherford as unit of radioactivity, 1 rd = 10E6 dps, introduced in 1946, but short-lived. The new unit is the Becquerel (bq), where 1 bq = 1 dps). The plastic container for the ampoule has a small adhesive label with the following printed words: “Caution Radioactive Material”.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1948
maker
National Bureau of Standards
ID Number
1994.0125.55
accession number
1994.0125
catalog number
1994.0125.55

Pamphlet, Manual of Directions California Test of Personality - Intermediate Series

This is the manual of directions (not the test itself) for one version of the California Test of Personality.
Description
This is the manual of directions (not the test itself) for one version of the California Test of Personality. The California Test Bureau not only published tests of intelligence (mental maturity) and achievement, but also measures of personality adjustment and social effectiveness like the one described in this document.
The tests came in several forms. The “Primary Series” was for kindergarteners and children in grades one through three (see 1990.0034.123). The “Elementary Series” was for grades four through nine (see 1990.0034.124). The “Intermediate Series,” which relates to this document, was for grades seven through ten . The “Secondary Series” was for grades 9 to 14 [sic] (see 1990.0034.126). The Intermediate and Secondary series were published first, then the Primary and an adult form.
The authors the test were Ernest W. Tiegs (1891-1970), Willis W. Clark (1895-1964), and Louis P. Thorpe (1893-1970). Tiegs was a dean and professor of education at USC, Clark was director of administrative research for the Los Angeles public schools, and Thorpe was on the faculty in education at USC.
Reference:
Tiegs, Ernest W., Willis W. Clark, and Louis P. Thorpe. "The California Test of Personality," The Journal of Educational Research, 1941, 35, #2, pp.102-08.This describes the test in detail.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940
author
Thorpe, Louis P.
Clark, Willis W.
Tiegs, Ernest W.
publisher
California Test Bureau
ID Number
1990.0034.125
accession number
1990.0034
catalog number
1990.0034.125

Psychological Test With Key And Class Record, Iowa Language Abilities Test. Elementary Test: Form A

For a general discussion of testing at the University of Iowa, including mention of these objects, see 1990.0034.086.Currently not on view
Description
For a general discussion of testing at the University of Iowa, including mention of these objects, see 1990.0034.086.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1948
author
Greene, Harry A.
Ballenger, Harvey Leigh
publisher
World Book Company
ID Number
1990.0034.109
catalog number
1990.0034.109
accession number
1990.0034

Keuffel & Esser 4080-3 Log Log Trig Duplex Slide Rule

This ten-inch double-sided mahogany rule is fully covered with white celluloid. On one side, there are L, LL1, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on the base and CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The top of the base is marked in red: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.; PATS.
Description
This ten-inch double-sided mahogany rule is fully covered with white celluloid. On one side, there are L, LL1, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on the base and CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The top of the base is marked in red: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.; PATS. RE.20,984 1,930,852 2,168,056 2,170,144 PAT. PEND.; MADE IN U.S.A. The right end of the slide is marked with the model number: < 4080-3 >. On the other side, there are LL0, LL00, A, D, DI, and K scales on the base and B, T, ST, and S scales on the slide. The left end of the slide and the front left corner of the base are marked with a serial number: 728903. The indicator is glass with plastic edges held together with metal screws. A piece is missing from the top edge; if it were whole, it would read: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y. The bottom edge is marked: PATENT 2,086,502.
In images of the object, the slide is upside down.
The rule fits into a sewn orange leather case. The flap is marked: K & E (/) LOG LOG DUPLEX (/) TRADE TRIG MARK (/) 4080-3S. The S refers to the sewed leather case. A paper table of equivalences was once attached to the case, but most of it has been torn away. The remaining portions resemble the charts on K&E simplex slide rules, such as 1984.1068.01. The back of the case has a metal ring, presumably to fit around a belt loop, and is marked: R. L. HUFFMAN.
K&E used this combination of scales on this model from 1939 to 1947. The serial number on this example is consistent with a date earlier in this time frame. In 1947, it sold for $18.00. Included in the acquisition is a manual by William E. Breckenridge, The Log Log Duplex Slide Rule (1939). Compare this rule to 2007.0181.01.
Robert L. Huffman owned this instrument. It seems likely that he used it as a college student. He received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota in 1941. Huffman went on to work for Automatic Electric Company of Chicago and then, from 1945, for General Telephone Laboratories.
References: Alfred W. Keuffel, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent RE20,984 reissued Janaury 24, 1939); Alfred W. Keuffel, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 1,930,852 issued October 17, 1933); Adolf W. Keuffel, "Runner for Slide Rules" (U.S. Patent 2,086,502 issued July 6, 1937); Carl M. Bernegau, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,168,056 issued August 1, 1939); Lyman M. Kells, Willis F. Kern, and James R. Bland, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,170,144 issued August 22, 1939); Clark McCoy, "Collection of Pages from K&E Catalogs for the 4081-3 Family of Slide Rules: 4080-3 & 4081-3 Family Groups," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEModels/ke4081-3family.htm; The Automatic Electric Technical Journal 1, no. 2 (July 1948): front matter.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939-1947
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1992.0437.01
catalog number
1992.0437.01
accession number
1992.0437

Pamphlet with Key, Manual of Directions California Test of Personality - Primary Series

These are the manual of directions and key (not the test itself) for one version of the California Test of Personality.
Description
These are the manual of directions and key (not the test itself) for one version of the California Test of Personality. The California Test Bureau not only published tests of intelligence (mental maturity) and achievement, but also measures of personality adjustment and social effectiveness like the one relating to these documents. The tests came in several forms. The “Primary Series,” which is discussed in these materials, was for kindergarteners and children in grades one through three. The “Elementary Series” was for grades four through nine (see 1990.0034.124). The “Intermediate Series” was for grades seven through ten (see 1990.0034.125). The “Secondary Series” was for grades 9 to 14 [sic] (see 1990.0034.126). The Intermediate and Secondary series were published first, then the primary and an adult form.
The authors the test were Ernest W. Tiegs (1891-1970), Willis W. Clark (1895-1964), and Louis P. Thorpe (1893-1970). Tiegs was a dean and professor of education at USC, Clark was director of administrative research for the Los Angeles public schools, and Thorpe was on the faculty in education at USC.
The California Tests of Personality were intended to measure personality adjustment and social effectiveness.
References:
Tiegs, Ernest W., Willis W. Clark, and Louis P. Thorpe. "The California Test of Personality," The Journal of Educational Research, 1941, 35, #2, pp.102-08.This describes the test in detail – although it was written before the primary form of the test had been prepared.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1942
author
Clark, Willis W.
Tiegs, Ernest W.
publisher
California Test Bureau
author
Thorpe, Louis P.
ID Number
1990.0034.123
accession number
1990.0034
catalog number
1990.0034.123

Psychological Test, Progressive Achievement Tests - Advanced Battery Form A

Several tests copyrighted by Tiegs and Clark were combined into a battery. Included were tests of reading vocabulary, reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, mathematical fundamentals, and language.
Description
Several tests copyrighted by Tiegs and Clark were combined into a battery. Included were tests of reading vocabulary, reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, mathematical fundamentals, and language. Some later versions of the battery would be published as the California Achievement Tests and sell widely.
For information about Tiegs and Clark, and an example of a 1943 test of reading alone, see 1989.0710.40. For the manual of directions for the battery, see 1989.0710.42. See also 1990.0034.095.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
author
Clark, Willis W.
Tiegs, Ernest W.
maker
California Test Bureau
ID Number
1989.0710.41
catalog number
1989.0710.41
accession number
1989.0710

Sheets, Additions and Corrections to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Memo of Richard C. Brockway

Beginning in 1939, the United States Employment Service issued a multivolume Dictionary of Occupational Titles for use in public employment offices and related vocational services.
Description
Beginning in 1939, the United States Employment Service issued a multivolume Dictionary of Occupational Titles for use in public employment offices and related vocational services. A revised edition would be published by the Bureau of Manpower Utilization during World War II, with subsequent revisions by the U.S. Employment Service. Revisions of job descriptions appeared between published volumes. These typed sheets give revisions to the dictionary supplied by the U.S. Social Security Board to the states. The sheets were issued to New York state administrators by Richard C. Brockway, Director of the Division of Placement and Unemployment Insurance of the New York State Employment Service, on October 4, 1941.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941
ID Number
1989.0710.74
catalog number
1989.0710.74
accession number
1989.0710

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