Model of a bucket wheel
In contrast to a water wheel, the bucket wheel does not drive a mill, but transports water upwards in the attached boxes and pours it out there. It is therefore part of a water conduction system. Not all bucket wheels can be driven by water alone, but also make use of wind power or are set in motion by draught animals. The bucket wheel was also used for demonstration purposes in teaching. Therefore the model has a removable side wall which is secured with wire.
ca. 1750 / wood, metal connecting element / Göttingen Municipal Museum
Model of a staircase
For a time, the model was called "doll's house" in the Städtisches Museum. The staircase was used in mathematics lessons, which in the 18th century included civil architecture as a subject. Models of this kind are still used two hundred years later in collections of technical colleges. The steps wind up over two landings and offer a view from all sides. The staircase is the only surviving model from the collection that belongs to civil architecture.
ca. 1750-1760 / wood / Göttingen Municipal Museum
Model of an ideal fortress
The model of an ideal fortress probably belongs to a series of fortifications and siege buildings. The model was inspired by the designs of the war architect Sébastien de Vauban, who shaped military fortification routes throughout Europe in the 17th century. In addition to his building activities, Vauban also conducted military sieges himself and developed battle tactics. Such models of applied geometry were used in training for engineers. The aim was to design fortifications that could hold off cannons used for sieges from the 18th century onwards. The model was probably used until the end of the 19th century, only after which the forms of the siege changed.
ca. 1750 / wood, painted brown and green / Göttingen Municipal Museum
Model of a water-powered double pumping station
The double pumping station is a typical teaching model for which no real equivalent has to exist. It is only intended to illustrate the function of a pumping station. The water wheels transmit their power to the thumbs, which then lift the pistons of the pumps and suck up the water. The movement of the chains is transferred to the other two pairs of pistons, which sink downwards. The valves open and let the water flow out. In this way, water can be transported upwards.
ca. 1780-1790 / wood, chains made of metal / functional
Royal Model Chamber
The Model Chamber is one of the oldest collections at Göttingen University. At one time, the various objects from engineering and mining, agriculture and water extraction were distributed throughout the university and served as a practical visualisation method in the training of higher civil servants. The economist Johann Beckmann used the models not only in class, but also to prepare for excursions to the mining industry in the Harz Mountains. With the help of the models, the students could establish a practical relationship to the constructions.
