moveable circles
Date: 1952-1964
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1632
Classification: Demonstration Model
Subject:
Maker: Walter Balcke ?
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
0.3 x 24 x 5 cm (1/8 x 9 7/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Material:
Description:
Demonstration apparatus consists of four identical clear plexiglass circles, each of which has a thin black line around the circumference (possibly hand drawn to aid in the cutting-out of the circles from a larger piece of plexiglass). Two of the circles have long clear plastic handles, each with a straight black line hand drawn down the center.
Each of the handled circles is attached to the edge of one of the non-handled circles. The non-handled circles overlap in between the handled circles and are attached at the center with a pivot. The outer handled circles can rotate around the central circle in tandem with the central circle to which they are attached, giving the visual impression that they are rolling around the circumference. The handles overlap at certain places in the rotation, and extend in opposite directions at other places. Given that the outer circles are attached to different layers of the central circle, the handles can easily pass over and under each other.
Each of the handled circles is attached to the edge of one of the non-handled circles. The non-handled circles overlap in between the handled circles and are attached at the center with a pivot. The outer handled circles can rotate around the central circle in tandem with the central circle to which they are attached, giving the visual impression that they are rolling around the circumference. The handles overlap at certain places in the rotation, and extend in opposite directions at other places. Given that the outer circles are attached to different layers of the central circle, the handles can easily pass over and under each other.
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 particular model may be designed to demonstrate geometric principles or merely to entertain with a kind of optical illusion. The actual purpose of the object is unknown.
This particular model may be designed to demonstrate geometric principles or merely to entertain with a kind of optical illusion. The actual purpose of the object is unknown.
Curatorial RemarksIt is not verified that this object was constructed by Walter Balcke for the Mathematics Department at Harvard University. However, it is constructed in the same style and same materials as other confirmed Balcke models and is very likely one of them.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Mathematics, Harvard University.