Davide Cervone, associate professor of Mathematics, will discuss “The Elegance of Line: Ruled Surfaces and the Dynamics of the Olivier Models,” Tuesday, Sept. 18, 4:15 p.m. in Bailey Hall 201.
The College owns a rare collection of early 19th century mathematical models designed by Théodore Olivier. Nine of the more than 40 models are now housed in a display case in Bailey Hall, outside the Mathematics Department office.
“One of the remarkable qualities of these models is that they are manipulatives; that is, they have parts that move to help illustrate families of surfaces and how they interact,” Cervone said. “Due to the age and delicacy of the models, however, we no longer are allowed to adjust them, but we can still appreciate their elegant design.”
Cervone will discuss the differential geometry that underlies and motivates the models.
“It will not require much mathematical background, and much of the talk will be involved in seeing what the models were meant to do through interactive computer simulations, bringing these wonderful objects once again to life.”