adjustable inclined plane
Date: 1766-1790
Inventory Number: 0074
Classification: Inclined Plane
Subject:
Maker: English
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
15.7 x 66.7 x 25.5 cm (6 3/16 x 26 1/4 x 10 1/16 in.)
Material:
Bibliography:
The Apparatus of Science at Harvard, 1765-1800
Description:
The inclined plane is made of a hinged mahogany platform decorated with molded edges. The inclination is adjusted by two screws, with a maximum elevation of 6".
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
FunctionSuch simple inclined planes were used with a loaded cylinder, for instance, to perform mechanical tricks. (Cylinders rolling up the plane instead of down). Whether it was a trick or not, inclined-plane experiments helped in understanding the concept of center of gravity.
Historical AttributesThe 1790 Harvard College inventory of scientific instruments lists "A small mahogany inclined plane." As it is the only mahogany plane mentioned in the early College records, it probably is this one intended for use with the weighted cylinders in CHSI's collection (see #0072 and #0073).
Published ReferencesDavid P. Wheatland, The Apparatus of Science at Harvard, 1765-1800 (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1968), 89.