Preserving Precious Instruments in Mathematics History: The Educational Museum of Teachers College and David Eugene Smith’s Collection

Abstract

A history is given of the Educational Museum of Teachers College, which began in 1886, and David Eugene Smith’s extensive collection of mathematical tools used in the Museum’s exhibits is discussed. Historic mathematical instruments including, the astrolabe, abacus and counting rods, and the slide rule are examined. The author uses digitized versions of stereopticon slides from Smith’s collection as images throughout the article.