plastic conic sections model
Date: circa 1960
Inventory Number: 2006-1-0011
Classification: Demonstration Model
Subject:
Maker: The W. M. Welch Scientific Company (1880 - 1968)
User: I. Bernard Cohen (1914 - 2003)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
38 × 19.5 × 19.5 cm (14 15/16 × 7 11/16 × 7 11/16 in.)
Material:
Description:
The model is based in a clear plastic cone. Inside the cone are three conic sections, each made of a different color of plastic. The yellow conic section is an ellipse, the green conic section is a parabola, and the pink conic section is a hyperbola.
In Collection(s)
Signedprinted in grey on dark pink label in base of cone: W. M. WELCH SCIENTIFIC COMPANY / WELCH / ESTABLISHED 1880 / 1515 SEDGWICK ST., CHICAGO U.S.A.
FunctionThe model is designed to visually demonstrate geometric principles related to cones and conic sections. In particular, the model may seek to suggest how different conic sections can be made by cutting a cone at different angles.
ProvenanceFrom I.B.Cohen's office in the Harvard University History of Science Department.