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: 1970s

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Biaugmented Pentagonal Prism

This model resembles a pentagonal prism, but square pyramids extend from two square faces. Its faces total of eight equilateral triangles, three squares, and two regular pentagons.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
This model resembles a pentagonal prism, but square pyramids extend from two square faces. Its faces total of eight equilateral triangles, three squares, and two regular pentagons.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.073
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.073

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Truncated Cuboctahedron

The faces of the model are twelve squares, eight regular hexagons, and six regular octagons.For further information about Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The faces of the model are twelve squares, eight regular hexagons, and six regular octagons.
For further information about Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.015
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.015

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Pentagonal Dipyramid

The faces of model include five squares arranged as in the sides of a prism, with pentagonal pyramids of five equilateral triangles each rising from both ends.
Description
The faces of model include five squares arranged as in the sides of a prism, with pentagonal pyramids of five equilateral triangles each rising from both ends. Its faces total ten equilateral triangles and five squares.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.036
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.036

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Pentagonal Orthobicupola

The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. It has ten square and ten triangular faces on the side.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. It has ten square and ten triangular faces on the side.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.050
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.050

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Pentagonal Cupola

This model has a regular pentagon on top, a round of five squares and five equilateral triangles, a round of ten squares, and a regular decagon on the bottom.
Description
This model has a regular pentagon on top, a round of five squares and five equilateral triangles, a round of ten squares, and a regular decagon on the bottom. It has a total of five triangular faces, fifteen square faces, one pentagonal face and one decagonal face.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.040
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.040

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Augmented Triangular Prism

This model resembles a triangular prism, with square pyramid replacing one of square sides. Its faces total six equilateral triangles and two squares.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
This model resembles a triangular prism, with square pyramid replacing one of square sides. Its faces total six equilateral triangles and two squares.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.069
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.069

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Parabiaugmented Truncated Dodecahedron

This model is an extension of a truncated dodecahedron. On two of decagonal faces, the decagon serves as the base of a figure with a regular pentagon on top and five squares and fiveequilateral triangles below. These "augmented" sides are opposite one another.
Description
This model is an extension of a truncated dodecahedron. On two of decagonal faces, the decagon serves as the base of a figure with a regular pentagon on top and five squares and fiveequilateral triangles below. These "augmented" sides are opposite one another. The faces of the model total thrity equilateral triangles, ten squares, two regular pentagons, and ten regular decagons.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.089
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.089

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Square Cupola

This model has a square top, four squares and four equilateral triangles in next layer, eight squares in next layer, and a regular octagon on bottom.
Description
This model has a square top, four squares and four equilateral triangles in next layer, eight squares in next layer, and a regular octagon on bottom. Thus its faces total four equilateral triangles, thirteen squares, and one regular octagon.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.039
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.039

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Gyrobifastigium

This model consists of two triangular prisms at an angle of ninety degrees, glued together on a square side. Four faces are equilateral triangles and four squares.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
This model consists of two triangular prisms at an angle of ninety degrees, glued together on a square side. Four faces are equilateral triangles and four squares.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.046
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.046

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Triaugmented Hexagonal Prism

The top and bottom faces of this model are regular hexagons. Three side faces are square, and three sides have square pyramids. Pyramids and squares alternate.
Description
The top and bottom faces of this model are regular hexagons. Three side faces are square, and three sides have square pyramids. Pyramids and squares alternate. Total faces for the model are twelve equilateral triangles, three squares, and two regular hexagons.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.077
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.077

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Gyroelongated Square Cupola

The base of this model is a regular octagon, the top a square. Above the octagon is a round of sixteen equilateral triangles, alternating in orientation. Above the triangles is a round of four squares and four triangles.
Description
The base of this model is a regular octagon, the top a square. Above the octagon is a round of sixteen equilateral triangles, alternating in orientation. Above the triangles is a round of four squares and four triangles. The model has a total of twenty equilateral triangles, four squares, and one regular octagon.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.043
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.043

Polyhedron Model by Michael Berman, Augmented Sphenocorona

One face of this model is a square and the remaining sixteen are equilateral triangles.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
One face of this model is a square and the remaining sixteen are equilateral triangles.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.107
catalog number
1978.1065.107
accession number
1978.1065

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Gyroelongated Square Bicupola

The top and bottom faces of this model are squares, with the side faces equilateral triangles and squares. The faces total of ten squares and twenty-four triangles.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The top and bottom faces of this model are squares, with the side faces equilateral triangles and squares. The faces total of ten squares and twenty-four triangles.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.065
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.065

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Pentagonal Dipyramid

The faces of this model are ten equilateral triangles, arranged like two pentagonal pyramids on the same base.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The faces of this model are ten equilateral triangles, arranged like two pentagonal pyramids on the same base.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.033
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.033

Plotting Board Trainer M16 by Felsenthal Instruments Company

At least as late as 2004, weapons sergeants in the United States Army (people with the job title computer) were trained to use plotting boards like this one, in combination with other materials, to plot the location of mortars, targets, and reference points, and to determine the
Description
At least as late as 2004, weapons sergeants in the United States Army (people with the job title computer) were trained to use plotting boards like this one, in combination with other materials, to plot the location of mortars, targets, and reference points, and to determine the direction of fire, mounting azimuth, and deflection of azimuth for weapons.
This version of the M16 plotting board has a white plastic base that is square on one side and semicircular on the other. A circle marked with a grid of lines is printed on the base, and a vernier for finding azimuth deflections is along the top edge. A rotating disc pivots at the center atop the disc, with distances measured radially from 0 at the center to 3400 meters. Angles around the rim range from 0 to 6400. Scales for reading maps, given in metric units, are along the right edge. A scale pivoted at the center assists in reading distances.
A mark in the upper right corner reads: PLOTTING BOARD-M16 (/) DEVICE 17E5 (/) MODIFIED FOR INSTRUCTIONAL (/) PURPOSES ONLY. It also reads: A PRODUCT OF (/) NDC (/) U.S. NAVAL TRAINING DEVICE CENTER. Text in the bottom right reads: FSN 6910-407-1242 (/) NAVAL TRAINING DEVICE CENTER (/) ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32813 (/) MFR. BY (/) FELSENTHAL INSTRUMENTS CO. (/) 22040 (/) CONTRACT NO. N61339-70-C-0185.
Objects 1977.114.04 and 1977.1141.31 are very similar – the first has a white plastic base, the second a transparent plastic base. The accession file indicates that the second object dates from 1970, which gives the approximate date of this object.
References:
U.S. Department of the Army, Soldier’s Manual and Trainer’s Guide MOS-18B Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Skill Levels 3 and 4, 2004, esp. pp. 3-122-3-130. Use of then-current version of the M16 plotting board described.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1970
maker
Felsenthal Instruments Co.
ID Number
1977.1141.04
catalog number
336388
accession number
1977.1141

Digi-Comp 1 Toy Computer

In the mid-1960s, most children had never seen an electronic computer. However, they had heard stories of the power of these giant instruments and knew that they were associated with space flight.
Description
In the mid-1960s, most children had never seen an electronic computer. However, they had heard stories of the power of these giant instruments and knew that they were associated with space flight. This toy brought the mathematical principles of the digital computer into the home. The manual describes several problems that could be set up, including a basic check out of whether the device was functioning properly, counting down from 7 to 1 in binary, logical riddles, and the game of NIM. There is a special piece that can be used to represent the logical operation "or." The toy was made by E.S.R., Inc. of Orange and Montclair, New Jersey. It sold for about $5.00.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1965
date received
1977
maker
E.S.R., Incorporated
ID Number
1978.0067.59
catalog number
1978.0067.59
accession number
1978.0067

Polyhedron Model by Michael Berman, Sphenocorona

Two adjacent faces of this model are squares and the remaining twelve are equilateral triangles.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
Two adjacent faces of this model are squares and the remaining twelve are equilateral triangles.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.106
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.106

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Square Orthobicupola

The top and bottom of this model are squares. The side faces are eight equilateral triangles and eight squares. Hence the faces total eight equilateral triangles and ten squares.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The top and bottom of this model are squares. The side faces are eight equilateral triangles and eight squares. Hence the faces total eight equilateral triangles and ten squares.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.048
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.048

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Metabigyrate Rhombicosidodecahedron

The faces of this model are twenty equilateral triangles, thirty squares, and twelve regular pentagons. faces.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The faces of this model are twenty equilateral triangles, thirty squares, and twelve regular pentagons. faces.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.094
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.094

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Square Gyrobicupola

This model has a square top and bottom, as well as eight equilateral triangles and eight squares on the sides.
Description
This model has a square top and bottom, as well as eight equilateral triangles and eight squares on the sides. The faces total of eight equilateral triangles and ten squares.The model is not identical to 1978.1065.48.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.049
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.049

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Pentagonal Gyrobicupola

The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. It has ten squares and ten equilateral triangles around the sides. It is not identical to 1978.1065.050.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. It has ten squares and ten equilateral triangles around the sides. It is not identical to 1978.1065.050.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.051
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.051

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Pentagonal Rotunda

This model has a regular pentagon on the top, a round of five equilateral triangles, a round of five regular pentagons and five equilateral triangles, a round of ten squares, and a regular decagon on the bottom.
Description
This model has a regular pentagon on the top, a round of five equilateral triangles, a round of five regular pentagons and five equilateral triangles, a round of ten squares, and a regular decagon on the bottom. Hence its faces total of six regular pentagons, ten equilateral triangles, ten squares, and a regular decagon.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.041
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.041

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Pentagonal Orthobicupola

This model has a pentagonal top and bottom. Five squares and five equilateral triangles are around each pentagon. Ten squares are around middle of model.
Description
This model has a pentagonal top and bottom. Five squares and five equilateral triangles are around each pentagon. Ten squares are around middle of model. Hence the faces of the model are two regular pentagons, twenty squares, and ten equilateral triangles.
On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Berman, Martin
ID Number
1978.1065.058
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.058

Felsenthal FAE-19A Artillery Protractor

While many protractors simply measure angles in degrees, others have been adapted for more specialized contexts. For instance, they may be combined with other drawing instruments, such as rulers or templates for flow chart components.
Description
While many protractors simply measure angles in degrees, others have been adapted for more specialized contexts. For instance, they may be combined with other drawing instruments, such as rulers or templates for flow chart components. Or, they may make measurements in other scales for angles, such as radians. Before computerized and satellite navigation equipment was in wide use, protractors were employed in military applications, including positioning artillery.
Thus, this clear plastic protractor, which is in the shape of a sixth-circle, permitted the user to plot the distance traveled by a projectile from the time that elapsed before the sound of the projectile was heard. The outer edge of the protractor's arc is divided by hundredths and marked by tenths from +3.4 to +0.1 (in black print) and from -0.1 to -3.4 (in red print). The scale is labeled: TIME INTERVAL, SECONDS and MIDPOINTS FOR 4-SECOND SUB-BASE, 1/25000.
A scale marked DEGREES is further inside the arc. It is divided by minutes and marked by fives from 55° to 0°. Finally, a scale for MILS is divided by tens and marked by hundreds from 1000 to 100. 1000 mils is equivalent to 56.25°. A scale for THOUSANDS OF YARDS 1/25000 is along the right edge of the protractor. It is divided by five-hundredths and marked by ones from 14 to 1.
The maker's mark is near the vertex: 4 SOUND SECONDS (/) FELSENTHAL INSTRUMENTS CO. (/) MFR'S PART NO. FAE-19A (/) MFR'S CODE 22040.
The Felsenthal Instruments Company was the leading supplier of mathematical instruments to the U.S. Army Air Force and the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics, particularly during World War II (when the firm was known as G. Felsenthal & Sons). After the company ceased operations in approximately 1976, it provided a large sample of its products to the Smithsonian.
See also 1977.1141.02, 1977.1141.03, 1977.1141.05, 1977.1141.08, 1977.1141.09, 1977.1141.10, 1977.1141.11, 1977.1141.12, 1977.1141.18, 1977.1141.19, 1977.1141.20, 1977.1141.21, 1977.1141.22, 1977.1141.23, 1977.1141.24, 1977.1141.30, and 1977.1141.39.
Reference: Deborah J. Warner, “Browse by Maker: Felsenthal,” National Museum of American History Physical Sciences Collection: Navigation, http://amhistory.si.edu/navigation/maker.cfm?makerid=173.
Location
Currently not on view
date attributed by donor
1950
date made
1970s
maker
Felsenthal Instrument Co.
ID Number
1977.1141.01
accession number
1977.1141
catalog number
336385

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