Collection of Ferranti calculalating instruments

Collection of Ferranti calculating instruments with instruction manual.

c1890-1939.

The collection of Basil de Ferranti worked for International Computers and Tabulators Ltd (ICT) to preserve the Ferranti link with computer manufacturing at West Gorton. He was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation in 1962.

Details

Parts

Stanhope Calculating Machine

Stanhope Calculating Machine

Facsimile of Stanhope's 1775 calculating machine, copied from the example at the Science Museum.

Measurements:
overall: 115 mm x 480 mm x 230 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y2001.350.1
type:
calculator
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Stanhope Calculating Machine

Stanhope Calculating Machine

Facsimile of Stanhope's 1777 calculating machine, copied from the example at the Science Museum.

Measurements:
overall: 13 mm x 310 mm x 200 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y2001.350.2
type:
calculator
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Thomas de Colmar Arithmometer

Thomas de Colmar Arithmometer

Thomas de Colmar arithmometer, made in around 1875. Colmar introduced his first version in 1820 and then made many improvements to what became the first commercially successful calculating machine. The design was not sufficiently reliable for it to come into common usage until the late 19th century. Despite the improvements, there was still a risk of error in the transcription of the result and the operator needed to understand the mathematical principles involved. The arithmometer is based on the Leibniz stepped reckoner, or stepped drum.

Measurements:
overall: 103 mm x 595 mm x 183 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y2001.350.3
type:
arithmometer
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Musuem
Model K Electric Comptometer

Model K Electric Comptometer

Model K electric comptometer, made by Felt & Tarrant, USA, c.1950. This machine is adapted for sterling currency with a capacity of £999,999,999:19s:11d.

Measurements:
overall: 160 mm x 235 mm x 294 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y2001.350.7
type:
comptometer
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Barrel Calculating Machine

Barrel Calculating Machine

Brunsviga Mk. III barrel calculating machine, made by Grimme Natalis & Co, supplied by Block & Andersen in around 1895.

Measurements:
overall: 150 mm x 280 mm x 185 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
Y2001.350.8
type:
desk calculator
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Burroughs Comptometer

Burroughs Comptometer

Burroughs Class 3 adding/listing machine, made in Canada, c.1910. The capacity is £999:11:113/4d. There is a facility for taking both totals and subtotals, and also a repeat key to prevent keys having to be reset if several identical sums are to be added.

Measurements:
overall: 260 mm x 495 mm x 230 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown) and plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y2001.350.9
type:
comptometer
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Comptometer

Unsigned comptometer supplied to the Prudential Assurance Company Ltd. Probably German.

Measurements:
overall: 190 mm x 200 mm x 547 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
Y2001.350.10
type:
comptometer
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Cylindrical Slide Rule

Cylindrical Slide Rule

Fuller spiral slide rule by W.F. Stanley in a wooden case with instructions, 1897.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) and ivory
Object Number:
Y2001.350.11
type:
slide rule
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Musuem

Model of human brain

Model of human brain, made by Adam, Rouilly Ltd, London, c. 1965.

Object Number:
Y2001.350.13
type:
anatomical model
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum