Chemical Engineering · Jowlabar Collection · UTSIC
A large varnished plywood box contains several kinds of components with which to construct molecular models. The box has a hinged lid that closes with a latch. The latch has a lock.
A printed sheet listing the components of the kit has been taped to the inside surface of the lid. A plywood tray, divided into four segments, can be removed to reveal further segmented compartments below.
The plastic model components are made of molded plastic of various colours. They are joined together using brass “anchor pins” that fit into iron sockets that have been moulded into each piece. Rubber collars and plastic rings are also used to join the pieces together.
The model contains the following components, whose actual count is compared to the original could be listed on the printed sheet:
– 1 of 1 blue semi-hemispherical “Nitrogen/ Nitrile” model with two link points.
– 6 of 6 blue, cone-like “Nitrogen, Amine (Pyramidal)” component with three-link points.
– 2 of 2 blue rounded “Nitrogen, Azo” component with three-link points.
– 6 of 6 blue rod-like, triangular “Nitrogen, Amide (Planar)” with three-link points.
– 30 of 36 cream-coloured semi-hemispherical “Hydrogen” components with one link point.
– 6 of 6 black rod-like, triangular “Carbon, Carbonyl” components with rounded ends and four-link points.
– 2 of 2 yellow round “Sulphur, Di-Univalent” components with two link points.
– 6 of 6 cream and black coloured “Hydrogen, Bonded” components with one link point. Four are in their original bags.
– 18 of 18 black pyramidal “Carbon Tetravalent” components with four-link points.
– 10 of 10 black rod-like, triangular “Carbon, Benzene” components with flat ends and four-link points.
– 5 of 6 red rounded “Oxygen, Di-Unvalent” components with two link points.
– 6 of 6 red semi-hemispherical “Oxygen, Carbonyl” components with two link points.
– 6 of 6 grass green rounded and chamfered “Chlorine” components with one link point.
– 2 of 2 blue green rounded and chamfered “Bromine” components with one link point.
– 2 of 2 dark green rounded and chamfered “Iodine” components with one link point.
– 4 of 4 black hexagonal “Carbon, Benzene Ring” components with six link points.
The box also contains:
– 79 Rubber Collars
– 53 Yellow Rings
– 6 Red Rings
– 87 Brass Links
– 1 waxed paper packet containing small plastic tubes
– 1 Key
– 1 metal tool (Probably for removing links)
Accession Number: 2018.che.124
Alternative Name: Chemical Model Kit
Primary Materials: Plastic, Wood.
The information sheet taped to the inside of the case lid lists the set number as “No. 2”, and the model number as “S33-418”.
Box: Height = 18.5, Width = 43, Length = 36.5.
Elements within this kit can be assembled to create space-filling models of molecules. Space-filling models represent the radii of the atomic structure.
Good: This model is largely complete, though a few pieces listed on the informational sheet are missing. This includes “10 link turrets”. This model lacks the instructional booklet.
The varnished surface of the box is lightly nicked and abrades. The metal fasteners on the latch are oxidized. The cream coloured “hydrogen” components have small dark stains on their surfaces. The waxed paper packet containing small plastic tubes may not belong to this model.
Associated Instruments:
Griffin & George Ltd, Alperton, Middlesex, England
Date of Manufacture: c. 1950s
This item was collected from the Department of Chemical Engineering in the Wallberg Building, room 203, on June 15, 2018.
Various joined pieces and semi-completed models were disassembled and organized for counting purposes.
Additional Information and References:
Historical Notes:
- Donated to UTSIC