Game, Think a Dot

Game, Think a Dot

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Description
This marble-operated game shows an array of eight discs, each of which can be either yellow or blue. A set of eight plastic rods on the inside – each linked to one blue and one yellow disc – can rest in either of two positions, determining the disc shown. A marble dropped on one of three holes along the top edge moves those rods it encounters, shifting the color of the corresponding disc. The goal of the game is to move from a standard starting position to a specified pattern of colors in a designated number of marble drops.
The paper box holding the game and its four plastic marbles also includes two leaflets, and sheets listing patterns observed by one player. A mark on the front of the game reads: THINKaDOT (/) ESR. Text on the box reads: CAN COMPUTERS REALLY BE FUN? (/) THINK a DOT (/) is a computer game and is fun! (/) DELIGHTFUL FOR 3 YEAR OLDS (/) FASCINATING FOR TEENAGERS (/) INTRIGUING FOR ADULTS (/) CHALLENGING FOR EVERYONE (/) FUN FOR EVERYONE -- TAKE THINK a DOT (/) TO SCHOOL, WORK, PARTIES AND CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS (/) ANOTHER E.S.R. COMPUTER FOR FUN. Further text reads: Es.S.R. INC. 1965 MADE IN U.S.A.
Joseph Weisbecker (1932-1990), remembered for his work at RCA Laboratories, filed for a U.S. patent for the game in 1965, sent in a revised application in 1966, and received patent 3388483 on June 18, 1968.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Game
date made
ca 1965
maker
E.S.R., Inc.
place made
United States: New Jersey, Montclair
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
paper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 5 cm x 22.5 cm x 18 cm; 1 31/32 in x 8 27/32 in x 7 3/32 in
ID Number
1978.0067.60
catalog number
1978.0067.60
accession number
1978.0067
Credit Line
Gift of John Garver
subject
Mathematics
Mathematical Recreations
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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