Model of a Double Cone and a Hyperbola of One Sheet in Contact by Richard P. Baker, Baker #505 (a Ruled Surface)

Model of a Double Cone and a Hyperbola of One Sheet in Contact by Richard P. Baker, Baker #505 (a Ruled Surface)

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description
This geometric model was constructed by Richard P. Baker in the early twentieth century when he was Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Iowa. Baker believed that models were essential for the teaching of many parts of mathematics and physics, and over one hundred of his models are in the museum collections.
The typed part of a paper label on the wooden base reads: No. 505 (/) SIMPLE CONTACT; ROOTS 2, 1. The model has a wooden frame painted black and two metal supports. The yellow threads join two elliptical rings of holes, one at the top and one at the bottom. The red strings join two straight lines of holes, one on the top and one on the bottom. In both cases, the threads are twisted but do not all meet at a point.at the center.
This was the second of five models Wheeler designed of “cones with a common vertex.” Four of these are in the Smithsonian collections. They are Wheeler’s numbers 504 (MA.211257.098), 505 (MA.211257.099), 507 (MA.211257.100), and 508 MA.211257.101).
Reference:
Richard P. Baker, “Mathematical Models,” Iowa City, Iowa, January, 1931, p. 10.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
geometric model
date made
ca 1906-1935
maker
Baker, Richard P.
Physical Description
thread (overall material)
wood (overall material)
metal (overall material)
red (overall color)
black (overall color)
yellow (overall color)
blue (overall color)
screwed, bolted & threaded. (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
average spatial: 22.6 cm x 25 cm x 25.4 cm; 8 29/32 in x 9 27/32 in x 10 in
average spatial: 22.6 cm x 25 cm x 25.4 cm; 8 7/8 in x 9 13/16 in x 10 in
ID Number
MA.211257.099
accession number
211257
catalog number
211257.099
Credit Line
Gift of Frances E. Baker
subject
Mathematics
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.