Simple cumulative recorder
Datecirca 1950
Inventory NumberWJ1017
ClassificationCumulative Recorder
Subject
Dimensions21.3 × 39 × 16.8 cm (8 3/8 × 15 3/8 × 6 5/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionHollow metal drum supported in a metal frame. Needle resting on top of drum. Motor positioned on left side with a brown power cord extending from it.
Curatorial RemarksSee file on cumulative recorders for more information.
FunctionA cumulative recorded produced a written record of every one of the subject's responses. This cumulative recorder uses the physiologist's smoked drum kymograph. The paper is forwded on a motor driven drum. A response is recorded by a solenoid stepping a work screw to which a pen is attached. Each response forwards the pen to the left one step. At the end of the chart, the pen is returned to the right by hand. The result is a curve showing cumulative behavior over the time period.
Historical AttributesUsed in B.F. Skinner's laboratories at the psychology department at Harvard University in the 1950s and 60s.
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: circa 1965
Accessories: power cord (attached)
Object number: 1998-1-0012
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: circa 1960
Accessories: grey power cord; roll of paper; spare pen; cleaning wire; rubber hat (under pens)
Object number: 1999-1-0007a
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: circa 1960
Accessories: Spare pen; roll of paper; power cord; cleaning wire; small sponge; gears (2)
Object number: 1999-1-0002
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: circa 1960
Accessories: grey power cord; spare roll of paper
Object number: 1999-1-0008
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: bob hanging by green thread on side; black and red power cord; spare fastening pins in envelope; spare roll of paper
Object number: 1999-1-0004
Scientific Prototype Manufacturing Corporation
Date: circa 1960
Accessories: roll of paper; instruction manuals
Object number: 1999-1-0086
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: circa 1960
Object number: 1999-1-0056