box of odds and ends
Date: 1952-1964
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1637
Classification: Miscellaneous Parts
Subject:
Maker: Walter Balcke ?
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
2 x 29 x 8.8 cm (13/16 x 11 7/16 x 3 7/16 in.)
Material:
Accessories: white carboard box
DescriptionThe odds and ends are stored in a rectangular white cardboard box. The lid and bottom are nearly the same size and the former slides over the latter. Inside the box are stored various loose and miscellaneous components of demonstration apparatuses.
Box contains:
- clear plexiglass disc with removable circular center piece
- orange plexiglass trapezoid with raised lip along long edge
- clear plexiglass trapezoid with thicker wooden base along long edge
- curved flat rectangular brass strip with four holes, two at each end
- four thin clear rectangular plexiglass strips
- one thin round brass pin
- frosted clear plexiglass disc with a rectangular groove cut out along the diameter on one side, and a metal pin with a blue plexiglass tip extending from the edge
- two large rectangular pieces of clear plexiglass, one with protective covering still on
- one clear plexiglass rectangular piece with one rounded edge with a hole through it
- two thin metal rectangular plates, each with a thin slit cut in one side
- many long thin metal pins, one with a rounded green plexiglass bead on top
Box contains:
- clear plexiglass disc with removable circular center piece
- orange plexiglass trapezoid with raised lip along long edge
- clear plexiglass trapezoid with thicker wooden base along long edge
- curved flat rectangular brass strip with four holes, two at each end
- four thin clear rectangular plexiglass strips
- one thin round brass pin
- frosted clear plexiglass disc with a rectangular groove cut out along the diameter on one side, and a metal pin with a blue plexiglass tip extending from the edge
- two large rectangular pieces of clear plexiglass, one with protective covering still on
- one clear plexiglass rectangular piece with one rounded edge with a hole through it
- two thin metal rectangular plates, each with a thin slit cut in one side
- many long thin metal pins, one with a rounded green plexiglass bead on top
Signedunsigned
FunctionWalter Balcke built and gifted many mathematical models to the Mathematics department at Harvard University. According to substantial correspondence between mathematics professors and Balcke, the models were sometimes used in classes, circulated around the department for observation, and eventually put on display in the mathematics library.
This box of odds and ends contains many pieces that may have broken off or served as extra or replacement parts for certain of Balcke's models. The specific purpose of the pieces is unknown.
This box of odds and ends contains many pieces that may have broken off or served as extra or replacement parts for certain of Balcke's models. The specific purpose of the pieces is unknown.
Curatorial RemarksIt is not verified that these objects were used by Walter Balcke in the construction of his models for the Mathematics Department at Harvard University. However, these objects are of the same design, materials, style, and appearance as his models, and are very likely related to them.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Mathematics, Harvard University.