Four-relay module
Datecirca 1959
Inventory NumberWJ0981
ClassificationRelay
Subject
Maker
Department of Psychology, Harvard University
founded 1934
User
B. F. Skinner
1904 - 1990
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions17.8 × 7.6 × 8.6 cm (7 × 3 × 3 3/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis shopbuilt module contains four double-pole, double-throw relays mounted on a black bakelite panel. Their terminals are wired to contacts on the panel front, where snap lead could be connected. The top of the panel has red paint saying "D. C. 28V." The module is currently mounted in an instrument rack (WJ1011).
Signedunsigned
Curatorial Remarksweight approximate
Originally mounted in instrument rack (WJ1005) for exhibit in William James Hall (basement), removed 2016, and remounted onto instrument rack (WJ1011) for new exhibit in William James Hall (ninth floor)
FunctionBanks of relays were the backbone of the experimental system, serving as switches and logical devices. Electrical connections to other apparatus were made by snap leads, which were wires that snapped onto studs or other in-out contacts on the front of the module.
ProvenanceB. F. Skinner's laboratory, Memorial Hall, Department of Psychology, Harvard University.
Historical AttributesUsed in B. F. Skinner's laboratory in the basement of Memorial Hall at Harvard University as part of his experiments on operant conditioning and behavioral psychology. This was part of Skinner's late 1950s experimental set-up.
Date: 1890-1930
Object number: RS0501
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: 1960-1965
Object number: WJ0964
Department of Psychology, Harvard University
Date: 1955-1965
Object number: WJ0971
Leach Relay Company
Date: 1890-1930
Object number: RS0531
Grason-Stadler Company
Date: 1962-1965
Object number: WJ1014
Date: 1890-1930
Object number: RS0505