wooden mathematical model ?
Date1910-1960
Inventory Number1998-1-1470
ClassificationMathematical Model
Subject
Maker
American
?
Cultural Region
Dimensions3 × 25.5 × 22.3 cm (1 3/16 × 10 1/16 × 8 3/4 in.)
Material
DescriptionObject consists of three pieces. The main piece is an elliptical wooden disc. A circle in inscribed inside it with an engraved line. The ellipse extends beyond the inscribed circles on two sides. There are also three straight engraved lines that divide the ellipse into six wedges. At the center of the ellipse is a two-piece rectangular holder. An unfinished, cylindrical wooden pole is slid inside it. The pole is parallel to one of the engraved straight lines. Each end of the pole points to one of the sides at which the ellipse extends beyond the circle.
The main disc is accompanied by two semi-circular wooden discs. One is longer and thinner than the other and painted matte black. The paint is fading around the edges. The other is wider and shorter, and varnished (not original).
The main disc is accompanied by two semi-circular wooden discs. One is longer and thinner than the other and painted matte black. The paint is fading around the edges. The other is wider and shorter, and varnished (not original).
Signedunsigned
Inscribedstamped in black letters on back of model: 10 88
Curatorial RemarksOne of the wooden semi-circular pieces is seemingly not original.
FunctionPurpose of the discs is unknown. Object might be a mathematical demonstration model for comparing and studying the mathematical relations of various circles and ellipses.
Walter Balcke
Date: 1955
Accessories: mahogany box with plexiglass lid; pencil; eraser; box of lead; putty ball; cleaning cloth; cardboard instruction card
Object number: 1997-1-1619
Walter Balcke
Date: circa 1958
Accessories: in library folder (Lib 4927):
-twenty-one letters from Joseph L. Walsh, mathematics professor at Harvard University, to Walter Balcke, dated between 27 May 1957 and 24 January 1964 (letters thank Balcke for the many mathematical models he gifted to the Mathematics Department, praise his skill and ingenuity, many invite him to faculty and personal luncheons, and one letter provides an analytic solution to the "13-point problem" behind one of Balcke's models)
-three letters from Garret Birkhoff (then Chairman of the Harvard Mathematics Department) dated 3 March 1954, 4 January 1955, and 10 January 1955, each expressing gratitude (and in one case, an official department thank you) for the many mathematical models he gifted to the mathematics department
-photocopy of original envelope in which correspondence between mathematics department and Walter Balcke was stored (original was destroyed on 13 July 1997)
-photocopy of instructional card for object 1997-1-1671
- seven instructional cards that accompany the following Balcke models: Pascal's Theorem, Brianchon's Concurrent Lines, Trisector, Twelve Point Ellipse (pertains directly to this object), Rolling Parabola, unknown, Equation Solution with a 'Constant' Variable and Thread
- photograph of the display case containing Balcke's models in the Harvard Mathematics department
Object number: 1990-5-0031
Fabre et Cie
Date: circa 1856
Object number: 5469
Walter Balcke
Date: 1952-1964
Accessories: mahogany box; cardboard instruction card
Object number: 1997-1-1601
Elliott Brothers
Date: circa 1890
Accessories: original mahogany case; case key (made from an old one by Richard Ketchen in December 1997)
Object number: DW0529
French
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: protecting case with glass window
Object number: DW0095
Walter Balcke
Date: 1952-1964
Accessories: mahogany case; two circular protractors; clear plexiglass rule with serated edge
Object number: 1990-5-0028
Gabriel & Edward Davis
Date: 1830-1850
Accessories: circular mahogany case with one straight edge
Object number: DW0386
