Scientific American

The publisher of this attractive non-standard pack of Scientific American playing cards is unclear. First, “Rufus Porter Enterprises” is prominently shown on the side and base of the tuck box, while “Scientific American, Inc.” is displayed equally prominently. While they may perhaps be co-publishers, it is possible that the former is part of the latter as Rufus Porter (1792 – 1884) was the founding publisher and editor of the magazine Scientific American as well as inventor, painter, writer, teacher and more.

The 52 suited cards and 2 Jokers display 19th century illustrations of inventions that were subjects of stories that appeared in 19th century Scientific American magazines, and there is an extra card that gives the names of the inventions depicted. The same designs are used for the same values in all four suits (i.e., 4 Kings the same, 4 Queens the same, etc.), and so there are a total of 14 original designs, including the Jokers.

Above: ‘Scientific American’ playing cards, USA.

Above: side of the ‘Scientific American’ playing cards tuck box.

NOTE: Founded in 1845, Scientific American is the oldest continuously published magazine in the USA. Originally it was a magazine that focused on inventions and technological progress, though today it is regarded as the leading authoritative publication for science and technology in the general media.