Science & Mathematics - Overview
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.
"Science & Mathematics - Overview" showing 34 items.
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Dalton Model 181-4 Adding Machine
- Description
- This gray-green manually operated ten-key printing adding machine has two rows of white plastic number keys, including complementary numbers for subtraction. There are multiply and non-add keys on the left, and backspace and subtract keys on the right.
- The multiply key acts like a repeat key - multiplication is strictly by repeated addition. The place indicator is above the keyboard, with a metal correction key to the left of it. Above and to the right are release, total, and subtotal keys. The printing mechanism and “4”” carriage are toward the back. The ribbon is black. The non-print key is next to the ribbon.
- There is a place for a 2-1/2” paper tape, but no paper tape. Above the platen is a serrated edge to tear the paper. A zero value appears before a total. The metal crank with wooden handle is on the right. There are metal feet, but no evidence of any rubber padding.
- The machine is marked on the front: Dalton (/) ADDING, (/) LISTING AND (/) CALCULATING MACHINE. The serial number below the crank is: NO170913.
- This example came to the Smithsonian from Immaculata School in Washington, D. C.
- Compare to MA*333874 and MA*333402.
- This closely resembles the Model 181-4 machine described in The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, about. 1928, Sec 3-1, p. 14, 19. This was the “Special $100 Machine.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1925
- maker
- Dalton Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1978.2479.04
- maker number
- 170913
- accession number
- 1978.2479
- catalog number
- 336932
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Marchant Model KC Calculating Machine
- Description
- This full-keyboard, non-printing manually operated pinwheel calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and nine columns of plastic keys, with three columns black, three columns white, and three more columns black. At the base of each bank of keys is a red clearance key. The underlying keyboard is painted green. Metal rods between banks of keys serve as decimal markers.
- Right of the number keys is a red keyboard clearance key, a multiply/divide key, and an addition/subtraction key. The operating crank on the right rotates backward (clockwise) for addition and multiplication and forward (counterclockwise) for subtraction and division.
- Behind the keyboard is a movable carriage with the 18 windows of the result register. A lever at the front of the machine shifts the carriage, a button on the right side releases it, and a crank on the left end of the carriage clears it. Behind and above the carriage are nine windows showing digits entered, a lever that can be set for multiplication or division, and nine windows for the revolution register. Rotating a small crank on the right side clears this register.
- Decimal markers slide on metal rods above all three registers. A metal flange below the result register helps the user place the carriage correctly. The machine has four rubber feet. At the back, two wooden cylinders have been attached to the base at the corners, so that the machine sits at an angle.
- Plates attached to the right and left side read: MARCHANT. A metal plate right of the keyboard reads; MARCHANT (/) CALCULATORS (/) SIMPLICITY (/) ACCURACY (/) SPEED. A maker’s mark under the carriage on the right reads: 2097. A stamp on the bottom of the machine reads: KC 2097.
- The Model KC, introduced in 1923 with initial serial number 1000, was one of Marchant Calculating Machine Company’s first three keyboard machines. It sold in 1924 for $350.00. By 1928 it was replaced by the model H-9.
- Calvin Lieberman, the donor of this object, was associated with the steel recyling business in Toledo, Ohio, from at least 1937 through 1980.
- References:
- J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, pp. 75–76, 549.
- Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, vol. I, p. 9–23.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1925
- maker
- Marchant Calculating Machine Co.
- ID Number
- 1980.0805.01
- catalog number
- 1980.0805.01
- accession number
- 1980.0805
- maker number
- KC 2097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Victor Adding Machine
- Description
- This full-keyboard, printing adding machine has a steel frame painted black and green There are eight columns of color-coded black and white metal keys with digits written on paper and covered with clear plastic (the keys resemble those on early typewriters). Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. The total appears in eight glass-covered metal windows over number dials at the front of the machine. There are total and non-add keys left of the number keys and a repeat key on the right. The total key also clears the machine. A metal crank with a wooden handle on the right of the machine operates it. Behind the keyboard is a two-colored ribbon, printing mechanism, and fixed narrow carriage. There are nine type bars, eight for digits and one for special characters. There is a serrated edge for tearing off the paper tape.
- The machine is marked on the front and behind the keyboard: VICTOR. It is marked on the back: PATENTED (/) JUNE 20,1919 - APRIL 13th,1920 (/) MFD. BY (/) VICTOR ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) CHICAGO, U.S.A. (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING. The serial number, on a metal tag attached to the bottom of the machine, is 24843.
- This adding machine was purchased in 1922 and used until 1982 by Samuel Bernstein in his capacity as Secretary-Treasurer of Wilner Branch 367 of Workmen’s Circle. Workmen’s Circle was a fraternal organization organized about 1900 to promote self-help among Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Mr. Bernstein was 95 years old when he relinquished his position.
- This model sold for $100 in 1924.
- References:
- J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, p. 59, 543.
- Accession file.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1923
- maker
- Victor Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0475.01
- catalog number
- 1982.0475.01
- accession number
- 1982.0475
- maker number
- 24843
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Adding Machine Section, Burroughs Model 581
- Description
- This is one of a series of adding machines and adding machine models prepared by the Patent Department of the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. It is a model of a key lock for adding machines invented by Frederick Dame. It includes a steel mechanism with one white plastic key, two key stems without keys, and two black-plastic rimmed numeral wheels. A complete set of nine white plastic keys with key stems is attached to the model. All the keys are octagonal. Keys for odd digits are concave, and flat for even digits. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys.
- A metal tag attached to the object reads: B.A.M.CO. MODEL (/) NO. 581.
- Objects 1982.0794.04 through 1982.0794.10 were received together as Burroughs Patent model 42.
- Reference:
- Frederick Dame, “Key Mechanism for Calculating Machines,” U.S. Patent 1,791,265, filed August 12, 1929, granted February 3, 1931.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1929
- maker
- Burroughs Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0794.07
- accession number
- 1982.0794
- catalog number
- 1982.0794.07
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Burroughs Payroll Segregator
- Description
- In the first half of the 20th century, many workers were paid in cash. Businessmen needed to know the coins and bills they would need to meet their payroll. This device, invented by John Magnus of Burroughs, was designed to carry out such calculations. It has seven columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. The keys in each column are numbered from 1 to 9. The front of the machine has ten sets of numeral wheels labeled with denominations of money from 1 cent to $10. Knobs on the right zero the wheels.
- A red paper tag attached to the object is marked: PATENT DEPT. (/) #45. The machine is marked on the front: BURROUGHS (/) PAY ROLL (/) SEGREGATOR. A metal tag attached to the base of the keyboard reads: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO. 401.
- Compare to 1982.0194.12.
- According to the accession file, “This is the original model of Payroll Segregator from which the patent drawings were prepared . . .” The object was model #45 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
- Reference:
- John Magnus, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 1,699,540, filed January 21, 1921, issued January 22, 1929.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1920
- maker
- Burroughs Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0794.11
- catalog number
- 1982.0794.11
- accession number
- 1982.0794
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Burroughs Pay Roll Segregator
- Description
- In the first half of the 20th century, many workers were paid in cash. Businessmen needed to know the coins and bills they would need to meet their payroll. This device, invented by John Magnus of Burroughs, was designed to carry out such calculations.
- The metal machine is painted black and green and has seven columns of round black and white color-coded plastic keys. The keys in each column are numbered from 1 to 9. The front of the machine has ten sets of numeral wheels labeled with denominations of money from 1 cent to $20. The key stems of the machine extend to the underside, and are covered on that end by round red plastic keys with no numbers on them. This form of the device could be placed atop the keys of an adding machine, which would record both the individual coins needed and totals. There are zeroing knobs on the right side. The machine has a black cover and a loose rod.
- A red paper tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #46. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs (/) PAY ROLL (/) SEGREGATOR. A tag on the machine reads: NO 25. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
- Compare to 1982.0794.11. A letter in the accession file reports that “The Segregator machines were of extremely low volume production.”
- It was model #46 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
- Reference:
- John Magnus, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 1,699,540, filed January 21, 1921, issued January 22, 1929.
- Accession file 1982.0794.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1920
- maker
- Burroughs Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0794.12
- catalog number
- 1982.0794.12
- accession number
- 1982.0794
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Monroe Calculating Machine
- Description
- This full-keyboard, non-printing, manual, modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with rounded corners. The eight columns of black and white plastic keys have a red clearance key at the bottom of each column. Rotating rods between the rows of keys serve as decimal markers. Three keys are in a column to the right of the number keys. One clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
- In back of the keyboard is a carriage that has a row of 16 numeral dials for recording results and a row of eight numeral dials behind these that serves as a revolution register. Digits for the revolution register are red and black. Between the windows for these registers are two thin metal rods that carry decimal markers. The carriage shift lever is at the front of the machine. On the carriage, to the right of the result register, is a lifting knob. A crank on the right of the carriage for zeros registers on it. The machine has four rubber feet.
- A mark on the front reads: MONROE. A red tag attached to it reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #254. A white tag attached to it reads: Monroe Calculator 8 Banks (/) Hand Side Crank (/) #92701 (/) (A. Williamson) (/) Rack B Shelf #3.
- This is model #254 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. Date based on assumption model number is 92701.
- Compare to MA*334711, MA*307386, and 1983.0831.1.
- Reference:
- J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 551.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1927
- maker
- Monroe Calculating Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0794.58
- catalog number
- 1982.0794.58
- accession number
- 1982.0794
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Burroughs Class 8 Adding Machine Section
- Description
- This model is a section of a Burroughs Class 8 adding machine. It has a metal frame that holds a steel mechanism as well as two banks (e.g., columns) of square white plastic keys. A third column of gray plastic keys has keys labeled: “ST:, “TOT:, “NA”, “X”, and “E”. The metal bottom has two rubber feet. There is a part of a carriage, one spool of ribbon, and part of a paper tape holder with no paper tape. A chrome bar attached at the base screws into a wooden stand with a felt bottom. The dimensions given do not include stand and bar. These measure: 22 cm. w. x 22 cm. d. x 19 cm. h.
- The Burroughs Class 8 was introduced in 1925. This is model #269 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1925
- maker
- Burroughs Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0794.69
- catalog number
- 1982.0794.69
- accession number
- 1982.0794
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Monroe Model K-121 Calculating Machine
- Description
- This manual, full-keyboard non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and a steel keyboard painted green. In the six columns of black and white color-coded keys, keys for odd digits are concave and those for even digits are relatively flat. At the bottom of each column is a red clearance key. Metal rods between the rows of keys serve as decimal markers.
- Three key stems are in a column to the right of the number keys. One clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation. The keys for these key stems are missing. A metal lever is to the right of the keyboard and a metal knob to the left. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
- The carriage in back of the keyboard has a row of 12 white numeral dials for recording results and a row of six numeral dials behind these in the revolution register. The revolution register has black digits for addition and red ones for subtraction. There is no carry in the revolution register. Two thin metal rods between the windows of these registers carry decimal markers. The carriage shift lever is at the front of the machine. To the right of the result register is a knob for lifting the carriage. A zeroing crank for dials on the carriage is on its right side. A bell rings when the result passes through zero (as in over-division). The machine has four rubber feet.
- A mark on the front reads: MONROE. A mark on the back reads: MONROE (/) Calculating Machine Company (/) New York, U.S.A.. Stamped on the edge of the carriage on the back left is the serial number: 77811.
- Reference:
- J. H. McCarthy, The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, pp. 9-29 to 9-33.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1926
- maker
- Monroe Calculating Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1984.0682.04
- catalog number
- 1984.0682.04
- maker number
- 77811
- accession number
- 1984.0682
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Monroe Model K-16 Calculating Machine
- Description
- The manual, full-keyboard non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and a steel keyboard painted green. Eight columns of uniformly shaped black and white color-coded keys serve for data entry. At the bottom of each column is a red clearance key. Metal rods between the rows of keys are decimal markers. Three key stems are in a column to the right of the number keys. One clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation (at least one of these keys looks like a replacement). A metal lever is right of the keyboard and a metal knob to the left. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
- The carriage behind the keyboard has a row of 16 black numeral dials for recording results, and a row of eight white numeral dials which serve as a revolution register. The revolution register, which has no carry, has black digits for addition and red ones for subtraction. Two thin metal rods between the windows for these registers carry decimal markers. The carriage shift crank is at the front of the machine. A knob for lifting the carriage is right of the result register, and a crank for zeroing dials on the carriage is on its right side. There are four rubber feet. A bell rings when the result passes through zero (as in over-division).
- A mark on the front of the machine reads: MONROE. A mark on the back reads: MONROE (/) Calculating Machine Company (/) New York, U.S.A. The serial number, recorded on the bottom edge of the left side of the carriage, is 91928
- Reference:
- J. H. McCarthy, The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, pp. 9-29 to 9-33.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1927
- maker
- Monroe Calculating Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1984.0682.05
- catalog number
- 1984.0682.05
- maker number
- 91928
- accession number
- 1984.0682
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
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