Thomas De Colmar's Arithmometer, c 1870., with detachable lid

Made:: 1880-1900 in Paris

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Science Museum, London|UCL

Arithmometer calculating machine with detachable lid by Thomas de Colmar, no.2034

Thomas De Colmar arithmoneter with detachable lid, no. 2034, 1880-1900. Charles X Thomas de Colmar invented his 'arithmometer' in 1820, which became the first commercially successful calculating machine in the 1860s. It could be used for addition, subtraction, division and mulitiplication. The mechanism was based on the stepped reckoner invented by Liebniz (1646-1716). Machines of this type were made well into the 20th century.

Details

Category:: Mathematics

Object Number:: 1967-69

type:: calculating machine (stepped drum)

credit:: University College, London

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Calculating machine (arithmometer), Paris, France, 1880-1900

Arithmometer by Thomas de Colmar, no.2034

Invented by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar (1785-1870) around 1820, the arithmometer was the first commercially produced calculating machine. Machines like this one were used to compile health statistics and population figures. The machine could perform basic functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and was in use until the First World War.