#second order surfaces

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Move Form

Amazing topological toy - transformative shapes, transformative maths. Seeing maths in action.

- JC

[jatcam]

Cardboard Models of Second Order Surfaces by Martin Schilling, 1901

"Set of 7 assembled cardboard geometrical models on wooden stands showing the following surfaces of the second order: 1) ellipsoid with 22 sections 2) ellipsoid with 30 sections, 3) hyperboloid of 2 sheets, 4) hyperboloid of 1 sheet, 5) paraboloid, 6) hyperbolic paraboloid, 7) cone of two sheets. These cardboard models were made by Martin Schilling at the Munich Workshop set up by Felix Klein (1849-1925) and Alexander von Brill in the 1870s to produce a wide variety of surface models. 'Second Order' means there are squared terms in their equations. This type of model could be distorted into an infinite number of shapes by gentle manipulation. During the late 19th and early 20th century, there was an interest in geometric model making, particularly in Germany."

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/mathematics/1901-88.aspx

- JC