Science & Mathematics

The Museum's collections hold thousands of objects related to chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and other sciences. Instruments range from early American telescopes to lasers. Rare glassware and other artifacts from the laboratory of Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen, are among the scientific treasures here. A Gilbert chemistry set of about 1937 and other objects testify to the pleasures of amateur science. Artifacts also help illuminate the social and political history of biology and the roles of women and minorities in science.

The mathematics collection holds artifacts from slide rules and flash cards to code-breaking equipment. More than 1,000 models demonstrate some of the problems and principles of mathematics, and 80 abstract paintings by illustrator and cartoonist Crockett Johnson show his visual interpretations of mathematical theorems.

This is one of a series of adding machines and adding machine models prepared by the Patent Department of the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. It is a steel mechanism for an adding machine with a column of 9 octagonal white plastic keys and two numeral wheels.
Description
This is one of a series of adding machines and adding machine models prepared by the Patent Department of the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. It is a steel mechanism for an adding machine with a column of 9 octagonal white plastic keys and two numeral wheels. Keys for odd digits are concave, and for even digits, flat. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Mechanism for “9” key only.
A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT (/) MODEL (/) No. 534A. A metal tag on the side reads: MODEL ROOM (/) 534A.
Objects 1982.0794.04 through 1982.0794.10 were received together as Burroughs Patent model 42. This object is described in accession file as an invention of Walter J. Pasinski of Burroughs. Pasinski and other Burroughs inventors filed several patents for key-driven adding machines between 1911 and 1929.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.06
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.06
This full-keyboard printing adding machine has a gray metal case and the following columns of square tan and brown keys starting from the left:1. column of 12 month keys2. two columns of number keys, ranging from 1 to 93. column of keys with abbreviated financial terms4.
Description
This full-keyboard printing adding machine has a gray metal case and the following columns of square tan and brown keys starting from the left:
1. column of 12 month keys
2. two columns of number keys, ranging from 1 to 9
3. column of keys with abbreviated financial terms
4. nine columns of number keys, each column ranging from 1 to 9.
5. two columns of function keys.
The carriage and electrical cord are missing. The 14 type bars include one for months, two for digits, one for the type of transaction, nine for the result, and one for special characters (indicating sum, subtotal, etc.)
A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #263. The machine is marked across the front above the keyboard: Burroughs. It is marked on the bottom: A7075. It is marked on the back on the inside of the case: 397.
This object was model #263 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950-1960
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.64
catalog number
1982.0794.64
accession number
1982.0794
This full keyboard non-printing manual adding machine is painted black with a green keyboard. It has black and white octagonal plastic keys. The nine columns of keys have nine keys in each column. Odd-numbered keys are concave, even-numbered ones flat.
Description
This full keyboard non-printing manual adding machine is painted black with a green keyboard. It has black and white octagonal plastic keys. The nine columns of keys have nine keys in each column. Odd-numbered keys are concave, even-numbered ones flat. Complementary digits are indicated as well as numbers. Ten windows at the front show the sum of numbers as the numbers are entered. A single key in the upper left corner controls the numeral wheel seen through the tenth window. The machine has two legs at the back which hold it up at an angle. There is a black plastic cover. Compare to Burroughs calculator.
The Burroughs calculator was sold as the Burroughs Class 5 from 1918 into the 1960s.
Reference:
American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, pp. 70-71.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1934
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1986.3039.01
catalog number
1986.3039.01
nonaccession number
1986.3039
This model of a section of a Burroughs Class 9 adding machine has a steel mechanism in a steel framework painted brown. It has one column of black plastic number keys, and one column of red and white plastic function keys.
Description
This model of a section of a Burroughs Class 9 adding machine has a steel mechanism in a steel framework painted brown. It has one column of black plastic number keys, and one column of red and white plastic function keys. There is part of a carriage, part of a printing mechanism, and a place for one spool of a ribbon. The mechanism is on a metal support that fits into a wooden stand. There is no cover for the sides.
The Burroughs Class 9 was introduced in 1926. This is model #241 Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation, although there is no departmental tag. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1926
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.51
catalog number
1982.0794.51
accession number
1982.0794
This model is a section of a Burroughs Class 1 adding machine. It has a metal, glass, and plexiglass frame with one bank of round black plastic keys, two numeral wheels at the front toward the bottom (visible through the case), and related mechanism, including a dash pot.
Description
This model is a section of a Burroughs Class 1 adding machine. It has a metal, glass, and plexiglass frame with one bank of round black plastic keys, two numeral wheels at the front toward the bottom (visible through the case), and related mechanism, including a dash pot. A paper tape holder, a carriage for the paper tape, and a crank with wooden handle are present. There is no paper tape. A steel bar attached at the base screws into a wooden stand.
The section is marked on the stand: Burroughs. A red tag attached to it reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #268.
The Burroughs Class 1 was introduced in 1895.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1895
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.68
catalog number
1982.0794.68
accession number
1982.0794
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine adds numbers with as many as 13 digits and prints 13-digit results. It is tan and brown and has 13 columns of square plastic digit keys, with nine keys in each column.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine adds numbers with as many as 13 digits and prints 13-digit results. It is tan and brown and has 13 columns of square plastic digit keys, with nine keys in each column. There also are five function keys and bars labeled “+” and “-”. The sides, front, and back of the case are missing. A narrow printing mechanism at the top of the machine has a ribbon and paper tape. It has 15 type bars. The first two print special characters and the rest print digits.
The machine is marked: Burroughs P 402 Elec. (/) A9103-20 (/) Date-Count-Normal (/) Rack #E Shelf 2. It is model #282 from the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.74
catalog number
1982.0794.74
accession number
1982.0794
This section of a Burroughs Class 4 adding machine has a metal mechanism with a black metal case and handle, a black wooden knob on the handle, and a dark brown wooden base with a felt bottom. The case is open on one side.
Description
This section of a Burroughs Class 4 adding machine has a metal mechanism with a black metal case and handle, a black wooden knob on the handle, and a dark brown wooden base with a felt bottom. The case is open on one side. Thesingle column of black plastic keys has keys numbered 1 to 9. Also part of the model are a white repeat key, part of a carriage, a paper tape holder, two numeral wheels at the front, and a metal handle.
The model has a metal support that attaches to a wooden base. This is model #243 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The Burroughs Class 4 was introduced in 1912.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.53
catalog number
1982.0794.53
accession number
1982.0794
This model of a section of a Burroughs Class 4 adding machine has a metal mechanism with a black metal case and handle, a black wooden knob on the handle, and a dark brown wooden base. The single column of black plastic keys with has keys numbered 1 to 9.
Description
This model of a section of a Burroughs Class 4 adding machine has a metal mechanism with a black metal case and handle, a black wooden knob on the handle, and a dark brown wooden base. The single column of black plastic keys with has keys numbered 1 to 9. There is a white repeat key, part of a carriage, and one spool of a ribbon.The side is of metal. At the front are two black numeral dials, and on the right is a handle. The model fits on two screws in the wooden base, but is not held tightly.
This is model #242 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The Burroughs Class 4 was introduced in 1912. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.52
catalog number
1982.0794.52
accession number
1982.0794
This is a wooden dummy model of the case of a ten-key printing electric adding machine. It has black plastic keys keys and a frame, but no mechanism. The number keys are in a block with a zero bar below. Left of these are ERROR and REPEAT keys.
Description
This is a wooden dummy model of the case of a ten-key printing electric adding machine. It has black plastic keys keys and a frame, but no mechanism. The number keys are in a block with a zero bar below. Left of these are ERROR and REPEAT keys. Right of these are SUB[()TOTAL, and TOTAL keys, as well as a key stem (without a key) and a black bar. There is a place for a place indicator. A 4-inch carriage is at the back of the machine, and there are four rubber feet.
A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #161. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
This model, along with 1982.0794.28, was #161 in the collections of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The shape, placement and color of the function keys are different on this object than on 1982.0794.27.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.28
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.28
This is one of a series of adding machines and adding machine models prepared by the Patent Department of the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. It is a model of a key lock for adding machines invented by Frederick Dame.
Description
This is one of a series of adding machines and adding machine models prepared by the Patent Department of the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. It is a model of a key lock for adding machines invented by Frederick Dame. It includes a steel mechanism with one white plastic key, two key stems without keys, and two black-plastic rimmed numeral wheels. A complete set of nine white plastic keys with key stems is attached to the model. All the keys are octagonal. Keys for odd digits are concave, and flat for even digits. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys.
A metal tag attached to the object reads: B.A.M.CO. MODEL (/) NO. 581.
Objects 1982.0794.04 through 1982.0794.10 were received together as Burroughs Patent model 42.
Reference:
Frederick Dame, “Key Mechanism for Calculating Machines,” U.S. Patent 1,791,265, filed August 12, 1929, granted February 3, 1931.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1929
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.07
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.07
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a black metal case, black and white color-coded round plastic keys, a rubber carriage, rubber feet, and a metal paper tape holder at the back. There is a hole for a handle but no handle.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a black metal case, black and white color-coded round plastic keys, a rubber carriage, rubber feet, and a metal paper tape holder at the back. There is a hole for a handle but no handle. There are ten columns of keys, with nine keys in each column, as well as a column with five function keys and a large “+” bar.
A red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #208. A metal tag attached to the keyboard reads: 139-243. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs. A white paper tag attached to the object reads: STY 10 (/) TALLY ROLL (/) MACH (/) TAG (/) 139-243. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
This example was #208 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The Burroughs Series P was introduced in 1949, and this machine presumably dates from about that time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1949
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.39
catalog number
1982.0794.39
accession number
1982.0794
This adding machine model has a metal mechanism with a black metal case and handle, a metal brace, and a dark brown wooden base. The case is open on one side. The single column of black plastic keys has keys numbered 1 to 9. The keyboard is painted dark green.
Description
This adding machine model has a metal mechanism with a black metal case and handle, a metal brace, and a dark brown wooden base. The case is open on one side. The single column of black plastic keys has keys numbered 1 to 9. The keyboard is painted dark green. There is a white repeat key, part of a carriage, a paper tape holder, a compartment for one reel of a ribbon, and two numeral wheels. The model has a metal support that attaches to a wooden base.
A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
The Burroughs Class 4 was introduced in 1912. This is model #244 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.54
catalog number
1982.0794.54
accession number
1982.0794
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a steel mechanism, a carriage, a keyboard with red, black and white plastic keys, a handle, and a paper tape holder.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a steel mechanism, a carriage, a keyboard with red, black and white plastic keys, a handle, and a paper tape holder. It is the model for a machine used to enter dates and numbers into a bank passbook.
There is no outer casing. There are nine columns of round, color-coded black and white keys numbered from 1 up to 9 in each column. Right of the number keys is a column of keys for subtotal, total, number, repeat, and error. Left of the number keys is a column of red keys that indicates the type of transaction. The machine has a wide carriage (12 inches) and 11 type bars in a printing mechanism. Four type wheels which can be set to a month, day, and year. The ribbon is black.
A red paper tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #70. A metal tag attached to the object reads: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) N0899. The machine was model #70 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.15
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.15
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a block of 12 columns of square tan and white color-coded plastic number keys with a column of function keys to the right. Right of these are two function bars.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a block of 12 columns of square tan and white color-coded plastic number keys with a column of function keys to the right. Right of these are two function bars. A narrow carriage, with printing mechanism and paper tape, is at the back. There are 14 type bars in the printing mechanism, and a black ribbon. The machine has no case. There is power cord at the back and a loose gray piece.
A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #141. It was model #141 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. A metal tag under the keyboard reads: 3448. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.24
catalog number
1982.0794.24
accession number
1982.0794
This full-keyboard non-printing key-driven adding machine has twelve columns of plastic keys numbered from 1 to 9. The rightmost column has 10 and 11 keys at the top and 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 keys below. Fourteen result wheels are at the front.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing key-driven adding machine has twelve columns of plastic keys numbered from 1 to 9. The rightmost column has 10 and 11 keys at the top and 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 keys below. Fourteen result wheels are at the front. A black cloth cover and numerous spare parts are present.
A red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #232. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs (/) DETROIT, U.S.A.. A metal tag below the keys reads: 209662. A white paper tag attached to the machine reads: Reference Machine (/) 9 Columns (/) Style 520 - 1/4 Pence Const. (/) Style 13. A mark on the cover reads: BURROUGHS.
This was model 232 from the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. There are numerous associated parts.
The shape of the front of this instrument is that of an early Burroughs calculator. The number of columns would be that of a Burroughs model 550, although the tag refers to a Burroughs 520. From 1915, the shape of the front of the Burroughs calculator was quite different.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1913
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.50
catalog number
1982.0794.50
accession number
1982.0794
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a black metal frame and ten columns of round black and white color-coded plastic keys. No complementary digits are indicated.
Description
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a black metal frame and ten columns of round black and white color-coded plastic keys. No complementary digits are indicated. Function keys are to the left of the number keys, with an addition bar and further function keys to the right. A row of number dials is at the front of the machine, and a row of five smaller dials on the left between the keyboard and these dials. This may be a revolution counter.
The machine has a motor beneath it, and a wide carriage and printing mechanism at the back. The printer ribbon has spools between the keyboard and the carriage and also extends from the right side. A metal plug on the right blocks the hole where the handle would go. The machine has a black rubber cord. The Burroughs Class 4 was introduced in 1912. According to McCarthy, it was intended to be used in multiplication, and the carriage could be shifted to the right or to the left to accomplish this. This object does not correspond precisely to the Burroughs Class 4 as described in McCarthy.
This is model # 195 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. It is marked on the front: Burroughs. It has a red paper tag that reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #195. There is presently no stand.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 34.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.36
catalog number
1982.0794.36
accession number
1982.0794
This model includes one column of nine round brown plastic numeral keys. To the right of this is a second column of five function keys, four tan and one dark brown. Also present are a container for one spool of a ribbon, part of a carriage, and part of a paper tape holder.
Description
This model includes one column of nine round brown plastic numeral keys. To the right of this is a second column of five function keys, four tan and one dark brown. Also present are a container for one spool of a ribbon, part of a carriage, and part of a paper tape holder. It has no handle. The case is of brown metal and clear plexiglass. The section can be displayed on a steel support that holds it on a wooden stand.
A metal tag reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
This is model #265 from the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The Burroughs Class 8 adding machine was introduced in 1925.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.65
catalog number
1982.0794.65
accession number
1982.0794
This manually operated full keyboard printing adding machine has a metal mechanism. The metal case is painted black and has glass sides. In addition to nine columns of black and white plastic keys, the machine has a repeat key on the right and a total key on the left.
Description
This manually operated full keyboard printing adding machine has a metal mechanism. The metal case is painted black and has glass sides. In addition to nine columns of black and white plastic keys, the machine has a repeat key on the right and a total key on the left. Nine numeral wheels are in front. The narrow carriage with paper tape is not visible from the front (e.g. not visible printing). The glass plate is missing from the front of the machine.
The machine is marked at the top: Style No 1. It is marked at the front: BURROUGHS ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) DETROIT, U.S.A. Below this a list of seven patents with dates ranging from August 21, 1888, to December 13, 1898. It is marked on a metal tag attached to the front: No. 798-S. It was model #89 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
The Burroughs Style No. 1 adding machine (later called the Model No. 1) was manufactured with serial numbers less than 2254 from 1895 to 1908. In January 1905, the American Arithmometer Company took the name Burroughs Adding Machine Company. Hence this machine appears to date from about 1905.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1905
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.17
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.17
This model consists of one column of a Burroughs Class 1 adding machine. Of nine key stems, seven have black plastic keys. The keyboard is covered with green felt. The frame of the machine is open and there is no glass.
Description
This model consists of one column of a Burroughs Class 1 adding machine. Of nine key stems, seven have black plastic keys. The keyboard is covered with green felt. The frame of the machine is open and there is no glass. The key stems are bent, perhaps causing malfunction of the model. Part of a carriage, one set of printing types, and a wide ribbon are all behind the keys. A curious cylindrical device is on the left side. The model has a metal handle with a wooden knob. It can be displayed on a wooden stand, which has a steel support.
This is model #247 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1895
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.55
catalog number
1982.0794.55
accession number
1982.0794
This billing machine is an example of the type introduced by Burroughs Adding Machine Company in 1922. The large, printing, electric machine has a metal frame painted black and dark green.
Description
This billing machine is an example of the type introduced by Burroughs Adding Machine Company in 1922. The large, printing, electric machine has a metal frame painted black and dark green. Two rows of keys, which have two sets of digit keys on them, are at the front, and control the computing mechanism. One set is used to set up amounts entered into the registers and the other to actuate the multiplier.
Behind these rows of keys are four rows of typewriter keys, used to type text. The letters are arranged as on a QWERTY keyboard, but all letters are typed in uppercase and the second symbols indicated on some keys are quite different from a conventional keyboard. All of the keys are covered with what appears to be rubber. A lever on the right above the keyboard can be set for any of three registers. The wide carriage is above and behind the keyboards, and further mechanism behind it.
The red and black ribbon would be enclosed if the case had all its side panels. The machine lacks a stand, but has a motor below. Loose in the case is a flat metal piece and two pieces that fit across the carriage, as well as six smaller pieces – one is a plastic button and five others are metal screws and tacks.
A red paper tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #202. The case of the machine is marked above the keyboard: Burroughs. A white tag attached to the machine reads: A213160 (/) TRADE (/) IN. This object was model 202 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Compare Burroughs Moon-Hopkins billing machine (MA.308347) and 1982.0794.01.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 427–432.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1937
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.37
catalog number
1982.0794.37
accession number
1982.0794
In 1911 the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic.
Description
In 1911 the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic. Burroughs inventors soon designed special versions of the calculator to solve other problems. This is the model or sample for one of them, designed to measure elapsed days and months.
This machine has a black metal cover and five columns of plastic keys. The leftmost column has black keys numbered from 1 to 9. The second column has nine red keys on which months are indicated. The adjacent middle column has two additional months noted (there is no “JAN” key). There also are three numeral keys in this column. The two rightmost columns have numeral keys running from 1 to 9. Complementary numbers and months are indicated. Six windows at the front of the machine display results. The a metal and wooden handle is on the right side. The cloth cover is painted black.
A red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #231. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs. A white tag attached to the machine is marked in part: Elapsed day & month. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Objects 1982.0794.47, 1982.0794.48,1987.0794.49, and 1982.0794.89 are all from Burroughs Patent Department Model 231.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.48
catalog number
1982.0794.48
accession number
1982.0794
This full keyboard printing manually operated machine has a metal frame painted black, with the area under the keyboard green. Each of the nine columns of color-coded plastic keys has nine keys. On the left of the number keys are subtotal and total keys.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated machine has a metal frame painted black, with the area under the keyboard green. Each of the nine columns of color-coded plastic keys has nine keys. On the left of the number keys are subtotal and total keys. Above these are non-add, non-print, and repeat keys. A crank for operating the machine is on the right side. The sum appears in a row of nine windows at the front of the machine.
At the back is the visible printing mechanism and a 30.8 cm. carriage (this dimension does not include the carriage handles). The carriage can be shifted, is wide enough for single sheets stationery, and has a counter that rings a bell at zero. A serrated edge tears the paper tape. The paper holder presently has no paper. The ribbon is stored in separate canisters.
The machine is marked behind the keyboard: Burroughs. It is marked at the front: 3-899304. It is marked on the back: Burroughs (/) THIS MACHINE PROTECTED BY U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS. The date was given by the lender when the machine came to the Smithsonian Institution in 1924, and agrees with other listings. The object recently was donated to the Institution by Unisys Corporation.
Compare MA.335029, MA.335030, and 1986.0192.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.308346
catalog number
308346
maker number
3-899304
accession number
2011.0264
This open cross section of a Burroughs adding machine has a metal frame painted black on one side, a single column of nine plastic-covered keys (one of these is missing), a mechanism for the keys, a short rubber carriage, and type. Two number wheels are at the front.
Description
This open cross section of a Burroughs adding machine has a metal frame painted black on one side, a single column of nine plastic-covered keys (one of these is missing), a mechanism for the keys, a short rubber carriage, and type. Two number wheels are at the front. Places where the mechanism and frame have been cut off are painted orange. The model is supposed to show transmission of action from the finger keys to the registering devices. The model rests on a metal shaft that is attached to a square wooden base.
This section was lent to the Smithsonian in 1924 by Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit as an example of the technology of a current product. It recently has been donated to the Institution by Unisys Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.308345
catalog number
308345
accession number
2011.0264
This full-keyboard key-driven non-printing adding machine has nine columns of keys with nine keys in each column. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even digits are flat.
Description
This full-keyboard key-driven non-printing adding machine has nine columns of keys with nine keys in each column. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even digits are flat. The machine has a metal case painted black, with the keyboard painted green. Ten windows at the front of the machine show wheels giving the result. Three decimal markers that slide above these. The zeroing lever is on the right side. There also is a key on the upper left.
A mark on the front reads: Burroughs Calculator. One on the back reads: Burroughs (/) THIS MACHINE PROTECTED BY U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS. A metal tag on the bottom reads: 5-898901. This is a Burroughs Class 5.
Compare 1990.0316.04.
This object was lent to the Smithsonian Institution in 1924 as an example of a current product of Burroughs Adding Machine Company. More recently Unisys Corporation transformed that loan into a gift.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.308344
maker number
5-898901
catalog number
308344
accession number
2011.0264

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