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, Metabidiminished Icosahedron

Two faces of this model are regular pentagons and ten faces equilateral triangles.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
Two faces of this model are regular pentagons and ten faces 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
1978.1065.082
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.082

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Pentagonal Gyrocupolarotunda

The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. Five equilateral triangles are around the pentagon. Five regular pentagons and five equilateral triangles are below them. Below them are ten squares and below them five squares and five triangles.
Description
The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. Five equilateral triangles are around the pentagon. Five regular pentagons and five equilateral triangles are below them. Below them are ten squares and below them five squares and five triangles. The faces total seven regular pentagons, fifteen equilateral triangles, and fifteen 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
1978.1065.061
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.061

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Gyroelongated Square Dipyramid

The faces of this model are sixteen equilateral triangles. Four are arranged in pyramid on one end, four in a pyramid at the bottom, and the remainder around the middle as in an antiprism.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The faces of this model are sixteen equilateral triangles. Four are arranged in pyramid on one end, four in a pyramid at the bottom, and the remainder around the middle as in an antiprism.
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
1978.1065.037
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.037

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Cuboctahedron

The faces of the model are eight equilateral triangles and six squares.For 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 eight equilateral triangles and six squares.
For 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
1978.1065.006
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.006

Polyhedron Model by Michael Berman, Parabidiminished Rhombicosidodecahedron

The top and bottom of this model are regular decagons. Theother faces are ten equilateral triangles, twenty squares, and ten regular pentagons.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 regular decagons. Theother faces are ten equilateral triangles, twenty squares, and ten 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
1978.1065.100
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.100

Polyhedron Model by Michael Berman, Tridiminished Rhombicosidodecahedron

The faces of this model are five equilateral triangles, fifteen squares, nine regular pentagons, and three regular decagons.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The faces of this model are five equilateral triangles, fifteen squares, nine regular pentagons, and three 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
1978.1065.103
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.103

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Pentagonal Gyrobirotunda

The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. Pentagons, triangles and squares are on sides. The faces total twelve regular pentagons, twenty equilateral triangles, and ten squares.
Description
The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. Pentagons, triangles and squares are on sides. The faces total twelve regular pentagons, twenty 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
1978.1065.063
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.063

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Gyroelongated Pentagonal Pyramid

This model has a regular pentagon for a base, ten equilateral triangles that form the sides, and five equilateral triangles arranged in a pyramid at the top.
Description
This model has a regular pentagon for a base, ten equilateral triangles that form the sides, and five equilateral triangles arranged in a pyramid at the top. Hence the faces are fifteen equilateral triangles and one regular pentagon.
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
1978.1065.031
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.031

Penning cold-cathode ion source head for carbon

Copper shell with attached water cooling tubing.Specimen heavily used, not sandblasted, shows extensive corrosion around exit slot.
Description
Copper shell with attached water cooling tubing.
Specimen heavily used, not sandblasted, shows extensive corrosion around exit slot. Word "CARBON" in capitals inscribed on outside of shell indicates its use for carbon ion beams
Demonstrates cold cathode wear.
ED Hudson, ML Mallory and SW Mosko, "High Performance Heavy Ion Source For Cyclotrons," "ORNL-TM-3391" (May 1971)
Used with Oak Ridge 63-in. cyclotron (see object ID no. 1977.0359.41).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1971
manufacturer
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ID Number
1977.0359.17
accession number
1977.0359
catalog number
1977.0359.17
collector/donor number
76S6 type #7

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Square Cupola

This model has a square top, an octagonal base, and four squares and four equilateral triangles around the sides.For further information about Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
This model has a square top, an octagonal base, and four squares and four equilateral triangles around the sides.
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
1978.1065.024
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.024

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Rhombicuboctahedron

The faces of the model are eight equilateral triangles and eighteen squares.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 eight equilateral triangles and eighteen squares.
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
1978.1065.013
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.013

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Pentagonal Orthobirotunda

The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. Ten additional regular pentagons and twenty equilateral triangles form the sides.
Description
The top and bottom faces of this model are regular pentagons. Ten additional regular pentagons and twenty equilateral triangles form the sides. Hence in total the faces are are twelve pentagons and twenty 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
1978.1065.054
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.054

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Metabiaugmented Hexagonal Prism

The top and bottom faces of this model are regular hexagons. Four side faces are square and two other sides have square pyramids extending from them. One square face is between pyramids and the other three squares are adjacent.
Description
The top and bottom faces of this model are regular hexagons. Four side faces are square and two other sides have square pyramids extending from them. One square face is between pyramids and the other three squares are adjacent. The total number of faces is eight equilateral triangles, four squares, and two 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
1978.1065.076
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.076

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Biaugmented Triangular Prism

The faces of this model are those of a triangular prism with square pyramid protruding from two square sides. Its faces total ten equilateral triangules and one square.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The faces of this model are those of a triangular prism with square pyramid protruding from two square sides. Its faces total ten equilateral triangules and one square.
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
1978.1065.070
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.070

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Rhombicosidodecahedron

The faces of the model are twenty equilateral triangles, thirty squares, and twelve regular pentagons.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 twenty equilateral triangles, thirty squares, and twelve regular pentagons.
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
1978.1065.014
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.014

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Snub Cuboctahedron

The faces of the model are thirty-two equilateral triangles and six squares.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 thirty-two equilateral triangles and six squares.
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
1978.1065.017
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.017

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Square Gyrobicupola

This model has squares top and bottom faces. A ring of four squares and four equilateral triangles is below top square and another such ring is above bottom square. An additional ring of eight squares around is center.
Description
This model has squares top and bottom faces. A ring of four squares and four equilateral triangles is below top square and another such ring is above bottom square. An additional ring of eight squares around is center. Hence the model has a total of eighteen square faces and eight triangular 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
1978.1065.057
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.057

Polyhedron Model by Michael Berman, Hebesphenomegacorona

Eighteen faces of this convex polyhedron are equilateral triangles and three are squares.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
Eighteen faces of this convex polyhedron are equilateral triangles and three are 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
1978.1065.109
catalog number
1978.1065.109
accession number
1978.1065

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Triangular Gyrobicupola

Twelve faces of ths model are squares and eight are equilateral triangles.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
Twelve faces of ths model are squares and eight 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
1978.1065.056
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.056

Polyhedron Model by Michael Berman, Metabidiminished Rhombicosidodecahedron

This model has a regular decagon on top and on one side face. The other faces are ten equilateral triangles, twenty squares, and ten regular pentagons.
Description
This model has a regular decagon on top and on one side face. The other faces are ten equilateral triangles, twenty squares, and ten regular pentagons. This includes the bottom, which is a pentagon.
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
1978.1065.101
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.101

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Elongated Square Pyramid

This model resembles a cube with a square pyramid on one face. The faces are five square faces and four equilateral triangles.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
This model resembles a cube with a square pyramid on one face. The faces are five square faces and four 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
1978.1065.028
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.028

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Square Pyramid

This pyramid has a square base and four equilateral triangles on the sides.For further information about Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
This pyramid has a square base and four equilateral triangles on the sides.
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
1978.1065.021
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.021

Polyhedron Model by Martin Berman, Pentagonal Cupola

The top face of this model is a pentagon, the bottom a regular decagon. Around the sides are five squares and five equilateral triangles, alternating.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The top face of this model is a pentagon, the bottom a regular decagon. Around the sides are five squares and five equilateral triangles, alternating.
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
1978.1065.025
accession number
1978.1065
catalog number
1978.1065.025

Polyhedron Model by Michael Berman, Bilunabirotunda

The faces of this model are eight equilateral triangles, two squares, and four regular pentagons.On Berman's models of regular-faced convex polyhedra, see 1978.1065.01.Currently not on view
Description
The faces of this model are eight equilateral triangles, two squares, and four 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
1978.1065.111
catalog number
1978.1065.111
accession number
1978.1065

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