Geometric Model, L. Brill No. 91. Ser. 12 No. 1, Space Curve of Fourth Order
Geometric Model, L. Brill No. 91. Ser. 12 No. 1, Space Curve of Fourth Order
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- Description
- This is one of four string models showing space curves of fourth order that were designed by the German mathematician Hermann Wiener (1857-1939) and first published by Ludwig Brill in 1884. The model has a metal frame painted black. The top of the frame has a small circle, the bottom a large one. Joining these with strings (all the strings of this example are missing) would produce a double cone. Joining other pieces on the top and sides would produce part of a double elliptic cone. Joining small ellipses on two opposite sides would produce an elliptic cylinder, considered as another form of cone. Joining opposites hyperbolic arcs would produce a hyperbolic cylinder, treated here as a fourth cone. Hence the model is considered as consisting of four real cones, with lines of intersection marked by beads representing a space curve of fourth order. This example of the model has no tag.
- This example of the model was exhibited at the Columbian Exposition, a World’s Fair held in Chicago in 1893. It came to the Smithsonian from Wesleyan University in 1985.
- References:
- L. Brill, Catalog mathematischer Modelle..., Darmstadt: L. Brill, 1892, p. 24, 74.
- There is an example of the model, produced slightly later by Martin Schilling and having strings, at the University of Utrecht. It is shown on the website https://www.uu.nl/en/research/3d-geometric-models/schilling-1201. This website was accessed August 18, 2020.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- geometric model
- geometric model
- date made
- 1892
- maker
- L. Brill
- place made
- Germany: Hesse, Darmstadt
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 32.7 cm x 32 cm x 32 cm; 12 7/8 in x 12 19/32 in x 12 19/32 in
- ID Number
- 1985.0112.065
- catalog number
- 1985.0112.065
- accession number
- 1985.0112
- Credit Line
- Gift of Wesleyan University
- subject
- Mathematics
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Mathematics
- Science & Mathematics
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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