Science & Mathematics

Chemical Balance

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.

Place: Michigan

Burroughs Class 3 Adding Machine

This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal keyboard painted green, and seven columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal keyboard painted green, and seven columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. A row of eight number wheels is visible at the front of the machine through a glass window. An operating handle that fits on the right side, and three function key stems are on the left. The printing mechanism, with space for ribbon and paper tape, is behind the keyboard. The carriage is 10 cm. (4”) wide, with a serrated edge for tearing the paper tape and a knob on the right to advance the paper. The machine is not entirely assembled and is incomplete. Several spare pieces are present, including a row of red plastic keys like the clearance keys on a Monroe.
The machine is marked on a tag at the front: 3-37428. It is marked behind the keyboard, with a “g” in an unusual font: Burroughs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.335030
accession number
312145
maker number
3-37428
catalog number
335030

Lufkin 651B Folding Rule

This four-fold boxwood rule has a brass round joint at the center and two brass hinges. It is two feet long when unfolded. One side has a scale of inches divided to 1/8" and numbered by ones from 23 to 1. One arm is marked: No 651B LUFKIN RULE CO.
Description
This four-fold boxwood rule has a brass round joint at the center and two brass hinges. It is two feet long when unfolded. One side has a scale of inches divided to 1/8" and numbered by ones from 23 to 1. One arm is marked: No 651B LUFKIN RULE CO. The other arm is marked: 1681 MADE IN U.S.A. PAT'D 12–3–18.
The other side has a scale of inches divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 23 to 1. One arm is marked: WARRANTED BOXWOOD. The other arm is marked: N.Y.C. APP. TYPE 352 SERIAL E 2.
Initially a manufacturer of boards for measuring timber and then of steel measuring tapes, the Lufkin Rule Company took that name in 1885 and moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to Saginaw, Mich., in 1895. By 1903 Lufkin was the largest manufacturer of steel measuring tapes in the United States. Around 1915 the firm began importing boxwood folding rules from central Europe and made the rules itself once World War I cut off its supplies. While Lufkin had a model 651 (formerly 68) that it advertised from the early 20th century into the 1950s, model 651B only began to appear in 1916 and disappeared by 1925. Twelve of these rules sold for $2.50 in 1916.
Lufkin president Fred Buck received the patent noted on the instrument for an improvement to the joint. Thus, this rule dates between 1918 and 1925. Cooper Industries purchased the company in 1967, closing its factories but preserving Lufkin as a brand name. An earlier Lufkin rule is 1985.0817.01.
References: Lufkin Rule Company, Measuring Tapes and Rules, cat. no. 9 (Saginaw, [1916]), 77; Fred Buck, "Joint for Folding Rules" (U.S. Patent 1,286,525 issued December 3, 1918); Lufkin Rule Company, Measuring Tapes, Rules, and Machine Tools, cat. no. 11 (Saginaw, [about 1925]), 120; David N. Keller, "The Lufkin Rule Company," in A Source Book for Rule Collectors, ed. Philip E. Stanley (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2003), 81–86.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918–ca 1925
Maker
Lufkin Rule Company
ID Number
MA.335275
accession number
314637
catalog number
335275

Burroughs Moon-Hopkins Style 7205 Bookkeeping Machine on Stand

In 1904 St. Louis machinist and inventor Hubert Hopkins applied for a patent for a “multiplying and typewriting machine.” This was the first of several related patents. With the backing of local businessman John C.
Description
In 1904 St. Louis machinist and inventor Hubert Hopkins applied for a patent for a “multiplying and typewriting machine.” This was the first of several related patents. With the backing of local businessman John C. Moon, he soon organized the Moon-Hopkins Billing Machine Company and had a commercial machine manufactured and out on trial by 1908. Business success proved elusive, and after extensive negotiations, the Burroughs Adding Machine Company purchased rights to the machine in 1921. This is a Burroughs version of the Moon-Hopkins.
The machine sits on a metal stand painted black (the dimensions of the machine are about 43.2 cm. w. x 60.5 cm. d. x 74.2 cm. h. – overall dimensions are 50 cm. w. x 63.5 cm. d. x 104 cm. h.) It has a metal frame and back, with glass sides. The keys have a white background, with numbers and letters apparently printed on plastic.
The machine has two rows of keys, with ten keys in each row, at the front. These keys are numbered to form two sets of number keys. Various function keys are on the left side and at the front. Behind and above the numeral keys is another bar, and then four rows of letter and number keys as on a typewriter keyboard. Above these is a row of four keys numbered from 1 to 4. To the left of the letter keys are ribbon shift, margin release, shift lock, and shift key non-print keys. To the right of the letter keys are point off, decimal discount, and carriage-return keys. Above the keyboard is a “REG. [/] TRIP” key. It is attached to a pointer that can point to 1, 2, or 3.
Behind the keys is a wide carriage, behind which is a narrow carriage with paper tape. The motor fits under the machine.
A mark on the top of the machine reads: Burroughs (/) Moon-Hopkins (/) THIS MACHINE PROTECTED BY U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS. The serial number, visible on a plate on the left side, is: 7-823880.
This object was lent to the Smithsonian by Burroughs Adding Machine Company in 1924. It was donated to the Museum by Unisys Corporation in 2011.
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, “The Adding Machine Fraternity at St. Louis: Creating a Center of Invention, 1880–1920.” IEEE Annals of the History of cComputing, 22 #2 (April-June 2000), pp. 14–17.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.308347
catalog number
308347
maker number
7-823880
accession number
2011.0264

Beach Calculating Machine

This small black machine sits on an iron base with four short legs. Seven toothed semicircular discs, mounted on a single shaft, are used to enter numbers. Between the toothed discs are full discs with the digits from 0 to 9 marked around the edge of each disc 3 times.
Description
This small black machine sits on an iron base with four short legs. Seven toothed semicircular discs, mounted on a single shaft, are used to enter numbers. Between the toothed discs are full discs with the digits from 0 to 9 marked around the edge of each disc 3 times. The face of the machine is a steeply sloped curve with a rounded top. The toothed discs protrude from slots in the face, and one digit on each disc is visible through a window. The handle is on the right side. Several parts of the machine are missing.
The machine is marked on the front: THE (/) BEACH (/) CALCULATING (/) MACHINE. It is stamped on the bottom: 2151. A mark scratched on the bottom reads: Geo. J.
The Beach calculating machine was manufactured, at least initially, by the Book-Keeper Publishing Company of Detroit, Michigan. The firm had previously manufactured a two-wheeled stylus-operated adding machine on the design of Lester C. Smith (a modification of the Webb adder), but discontinued this product after a patent dispute.
References:
Seal et al v. Bookkeeper Pub. Co., May 3, 1904, Case No. 1258, "Circuit Court of Appeals Reports", 64, Rochester: Lawyers’ Cooperative Publishing, 1905, pp. 651-657.
Elmer Henry Beach, Tools of Business, an Encyclopedia of Office Equipment and Labor Saving Devices, Detroit: Book-Keeper Publishing Co., Ltd., 1905, pp. 10-11.
The Thomas’ Register for 1907-1908 through 1912 list under Machinery - Adding, Calculating, etc. the Beach-Kauffman Mfg. Co. of Detroit, Michigan as the manufacturer of an adding machine.
Advertisement in Business, a Magazine for Office Store and Factory, vol 19 #1, (August 1906), p. 4, 63. The magazine was edited by Elmer Henry Beach. The advertisement indicates that the Beach-Kauffman Manufacturing Company was selling the machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
Beach-Kauffman Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.311945
accession number
155183
maker number
2151
catalog number
311945

Tri-Nim Game

This game, named on the case “tri-nim: THE GAME for COMPLEAT STRATEGYSTS,” was developed by brothers Bruce L. and Hervey C. Hicks. Hervey C. Hicks was a mathematics professor who, before his death in 1944, developed an early version of this game. Bruce L.
Description
This game, named on the case “tri-nim: THE GAME for COMPLEAT STRATEGYSTS,” was developed by brothers Bruce L. and Hervey C. Hicks. Hervey C. Hicks was a mathematics professor who, before his death in 1944, developed an early version of this game. Bruce L. Hicks, an applied physicist who was also interested in games, taught at the University of Illinois and in 1967 was appointed Research Professor in their Computer-Based Education Research Laboratory. TRI-NIM is based on one of many variants of an old game that was described by Harvard mathematics professor Charles L. Bouton in a 1901 article “Nim, A Game with a Complete Mathematical Theory” in the Annals of Mathematics.
Nim usually starts with piles of objects; players take turns removing objects from one of the piles with the aim of being the player who takes the last remaining object. Since the strategy for playing Nim involves binary arithmetic, it was among the first mathematical games to be played on dedicated machines and on computers. TRI-NIM is played on a board and introduces rules of movement to the basic idea of just removing objects in Nim.
The red plastic TRI-NIM game box contains a rectangular cardboard game-board cut like a jigsaw puzzle into four pieces. On the game-board there is an equilateral triangle cut into thirty-six small equilateral triangles. The three small corner triangles are white with “6 goal” in blue. Proceeding from the corners toward the center, the triangles are blue and are marked 5, 4, 3, 2, or 2’ in white. The center nine triangles form an equilateral triangle with the corners red and marked with 1 in white, and the remaining triangles are white and each is marked with a red 0. In addition to the game-board, the game box contains forty-five plastic chips—thirty-six are red and there are three each of blue, green, and yellow. The box also includes instructions for playing a basic game and three variations of it.
In TRI-NIM, the chips are placed on the triangles marked 0 in the center. The players take turns moving chips out from the center heading toward one of the three triangles marked: GOAL. While there are no restrictions on the number of chips to be placed on any pile at the start of the game, there are restrictions in how chips are moved. The strategies involved in this game relate to both the original placement of the chips and the moves made after that.
Over the years the name and location of the distributor of TRI-NIM changed, although the phrase “Games For Thinkers” has been associated with it from the start. Price lists in the WFF ‘N PROOF Newsletters (part of the documentation in accession 317891) indicate that at first the set of puzzles was distributed by WFF ‘N PROOF in New Haven, Connecticut, and sold for $3.50. In 1970 the price was raised to $4.50 and in 1971 the game was distributed by WFF ‘N PROOF through Maple Packers in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. A firm called Learning Game Associates of Ann Arbor later took over distribution and donated this example to the Smithsonian in 1975. The Accelerated Learning Foundation of Fairfield, Iowa, then became the distributor.
Reference:
Games For Thinkers Website.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970-1975
developer
Hicks, Bruce
Hicks, Hervey
maker
Learning Games Associates
ID Number
MA.335313
catalog number
335313
accession number
317891

The Deluxe Real Numbers Game

This game taught how to build grammatically correct expressions that represent real numbers (numbers that can be written in decimal notation, including those with infinite decimal expansions). Real Numbers was developed by Layman E.
Description
This game taught how to build grammatically correct expressions that represent real numbers (numbers that can be written in decimal notation, including those with infinite decimal expansions). Real Numbers was developed by Layman E. Allen at Yale University Law School as director of the ALL (Accelerated Learning of Logic) Project that developed mathematical games under a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
The game includes five wooden cubes in a holder with a ballpoint pen. On their faces the cubes have single digit numbers and symbols representing arithmetical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, as well as exponentiation, and taking roots). The game is explained in a four-page pamphlet, the REAL numbers game, written by Allen in 1966.
The pamphlet explaining the game refers to various types of real numbers including natural numbers (1,2,3 …), integers (… 3, 2, 1,0,1,2,3 …), rational numbers (numbers that can be written as a ratio of two integers with a non-zero denominator), and irrational numbers (real numbers that are not rational numbers, such as the square root of two). After rolling the dice, players attempt to write down all possible real numbers formed from the symbols and numbers shown. The pamphlet also includes rules for scoring.
The game and the pamphlet explaining it came in a plastic bag that had been stapled to a hanging display label that reads: the deluxe (/) REAL (/) numbers game by Layman E. Allen. The plastic bag also included a sheet listing “GAMES for THINKERS” that were available from WFF ‘N PROOF Publishers and a postcard offering a free one-year subscription to the WFF ‘N PROOF Newsletter.
In 1968 Allen moved from Yale to the University of Michigan with a joint appointment in the Law School and the Mental Health Research Institute, where he continued his work on instructional games. Over the years the name and location of the distributor of the Real Numbers Game changed, although the phrase “Games For Thinkers” has been associated with it from before Allen’s move to Ann Arbor. Price lists in the WFF ‘N PROOF Newsletters (part of the documentation in accession 317891) indicate that at first the game was distributed by WFF ‘N PROOF in New Haven, Connecticut, and sold for $1.50. In 1970 the price was raised to $2.00 and in 1971 the game was distributed by WFF ‘N PROOF through Maple Packers in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. Afirm called Learning Games Associates of Ann Arbor later took over distribution of the game and donated this example to the Smithsonian in 1975. The Accelerated Learning Foundation of Fairfield, Iowa, then became the distributor.
Reference: Games For Thinkers Website.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1966
developer
Allen, Layman E.
maker
Learning Games Associates
ID Number
MA.335307
accession number
317891
catalog number
335307

Equations: The Game of Creative Mathematics

This set of games and puzzles taught the operations of arithmetic in an entertaining setting and was sold from about 1963. Equations was developed by Layman E.
Description
This set of games and puzzles taught the operations of arithmetic in an entertaining setting and was sold from about 1963. Equations was developed by Layman E. Allen at Yale University Law School as the director of the ALL (Accelerated Learning of Logic) Project that developed mathematical games under a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Allen applied for a trademark for Equations in September 1963; it was registered in July 1965 but that trademark expired. In December 2013 Autotelic Instructional Materials Corporation applied for another trademark that was approved for publication in April 2014.
The set includes thirty-two wooden cubes—twelve are red, eight are blue, six are green and six are black. Each cube has a different one-digit number or mathematical symbol imprinted on each of its six faces. These symbols include the four basic symbols of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) as well as symbols for exponentiation and taking square roots
The set also includes a timer, a playing mat, a leaflet listing “GAMES for THINKERS” that were available from WFF ‘N PROOF, and an instruction book written in 1969 by Allen, EQUATIONS: The Game of Creative Mathematics. All these materials are stored in a green plastic case that is marked on the cover: EQUATIONS (/) THE GAME OF (/) CREATIVE MATHEMATICS.
In 1968 Allen moved from Yale to the University of Michigan with a joint appointment in the Law School and the Mental Health Research Institute, where he continued his work on instructional games. Over the years the name and location of the distributor of Equations changed, although the phrase “Games For Thinkers” has been associated with it from before Allen’s move to Ann Arbor. Price lists in the WFF ‘N PROOF Newsletters (part of the documentation in accession 317891) indicate that at first the game was distributed by WFF ‘N PROOF in New Haven, Connecticut, and sold for $3.50, including postage. In 1970 the price was raised to $5.50 and the game was distributed by WFF ‘N PROOF through Maple Packers in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. A firm called Learning Games Associates of Ann Arbor later took over distribution of the game and donated this, and another (MA.335304), example to the Smithsonian in 1975. Later Fairfield, Iowa, became the location of Autotelic Instructional Materials as well of as the next distributor of the games, the Accelerated Learning Foundation.
Reference:
Games For Thinkers Website.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1969
developer
Allen, Layman E.
maker
Learning Games Associates
ID Number
MA.335305
accession number
317891
catalog number
335305

Racz Tally Roll Adding Machine Carriage

This object is a gray metal model of the carriage and paper holder for an adding machine. There is a black ribbon, but no printing mechanism. There are two loose pieces.The model is marked on a red paper tag attached to the machine: PATENT DEPT. (/) #172.
Description
This object is a gray metal model of the carriage and paper holder for an adding machine. There is a black ribbon, but no printing mechanism. There are two loose pieces.
The model is marked on a red paper tag attached to the machine: PATENT DEPT. (/) #172. It is marked on a metal tag screwed to the plate: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO 1017. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation. It was model #172 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Between 1927 and 1942, Burroughs Adding Machine Company inventor Ernst Racz filed several patent applications for improvements in the printing and arrangement of paper tapes and receipts on adding machines. This is one of them.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1927-1942
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.29
catalog number
1982.0794.29
accession number
1982.0794

Burroughs Series M Bookkeeping Machine

This relatively late Burroughs bookkeeping machine has a gray metal cover. In the front are two sets of digit keys, one white and one black, as well as various functions keys. In front of these are space return, motor tab, and full cents bars, as well an an unlabeled bar.
Description
This relatively late Burroughs bookkeeping machine has a gray metal cover. In the front are two sets of digit keys, one white and one black, as well as various functions keys. In front of these are space return, motor tab, and full cents bars, as well an an unlabeled bar. Behind the two rows of digit keys is a QWERTY keyboard with four rows of keys. Symbols indicated on some of these keys are unconventional. A lever at the right sets the machine for different registers. A wide carriage is behind the keyboard. The machine has an electric motor.
A mark on the front reads: Burroughs. A mark on a red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #212. A metal tag screwed to the front of the machine reads: A3451.
The Burroughs Series M was introduced in 1951. This example was in the collections of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Reference:
Burroughs Corporation Papers, Charles Babbage Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1951
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.41
catalog number
1982.0794.41
accession number
1982.0794

Adding Machine Section, Burroughs Model 534

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 is a model for a key lock full stroke device for a key-driven adding machine.
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 is a model for a key lock full stroke device for a key-driven adding machine. It is a steel mechanism with octagonal white plastic keys and two numeral wheels rimmed with black plastic. Keys for odd digits are concave, those for even digits are flat. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. There are nine key stems and eight keys (the “9” key is missing).
A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT (/) MODEL (/) No. 534. A metal tag on the side reads: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO. 534
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
1982.0794.05
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.05

Burroughs Adding Machine Section

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 has a steel mechanism with octagonal black plastic keys and plastic numeral wheel rims.
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 has a steel mechanism with octagonal black plastic keys and plastic numeral wheel rims. Keys for odd digits are concave, those for even digits are flat. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. The object consists of a single bank of nine plastic keys with numbers and complements of numbers indicated. There are two numeral wheels and a spring-driven lever. Described in accession file as “Full Stroke & Key-Lock Device” by J. J. Morse, it is one of seven models (1982.0794.04 through 1982.0794.10) that formed Burroughs Patent Dept. 42.
The machine is marked on a metal tag on the side: B.A.M. CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO. 418.
John J. Morse of Cleveland, Ohio, took out U.S. Patent 1,510,951 for a “key-driven calculating machine” on October 7, 1924 (application date October 5, 1923), and assigned this patent to Burroughs Adding Machine Company. His patent was concerned with preventing incomplete key action, and hence erroneous calculations, on a key-driven adding machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
Associated Name
Morse, J. J.
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.04
catalog number
1982.0794.04
accession number
1982.0794

Burroughs Style P401 Adding Machine, 1/8 Fraction

This full-keyboard printing electric machine has a tan metal case and tan, brown and black keys.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric machine has a tan metal case and tan, brown and black keys. There are nine columns of keys with nine keys in each column, one column of seven keys (eighth fraction keys), one column of five function keys and two levers, and one column with addition and subtraction bars. A narrow carriage behind the keyboard has a plastic serrated edge for tearing the paper tape. The top lifts off for access to the ribbon and the printing mechanism. The machine has four rubber feet, and no cord.
The machine is marked above the keyboard: Burroughs. It is marked on a metal tag attached to the bottom: B3595. A red tag attached to it reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #262. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
This is model #262 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
The Burroughs series P400 adding machine was introduced in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1952
maker
Burroughs
ID Number
1982.0794.63
catalog number
1982.0794.63
accession number
1982.0794

Burroughs Experimental Adding Machine

This model for a ten-key printing electric adding machine has a metal mechanism with tan and dark tan plastic keys and a rubber carriage and rubber feet. It adds eight digit numbers, and has a 10-column printout (one column may be of symbols).
Description
This model for a ten-key printing electric adding machine has a metal mechanism with tan and dark tan plastic keys and a rubber carriage and rubber feet. It adds eight digit numbers, and has a 10-column printout (one column may be of symbols). There is a block of nine gray plastic number keys with a 0 bar below. Two dark brown, square function keys to the left of the digit keys are marked “C” and “X.” Three similar keys rightt of the digit keys are marked “ST”, “*(/)TOT”, and “-.” A fourth function key on the right is unmarked. There is a place indicator, a 2-1/4” carriage, and a black ribbon. No cover or cord.
A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPARTMENT (/) #161. A metal tag on the left side reads: 31794A.
This model, along with 1982.0794.28, was #161 in the collections of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The accession file suggests that this was the invention of Althans, presumably Emile H. Althans of Burroughs.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.27
maker number
31794A?
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.27

Burroughs Payroll Segregator

In the first half of the 20th century, many workers were paid in cash. Businessmen needed to know the coins and bills they would need to meet their payroll. This device, invented by John Magnus of Burroughs, was designed to carry out such calculations.
Description
In the first half of the 20th century, many workers were paid in cash. Businessmen needed to know the coins and bills they would need to meet their payroll. This device, invented by John Magnus of Burroughs, was designed to carry out such calculations. It has seven columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. The keys in each column are numbered from 1 to 9. The front of the machine has ten sets of numeral wheels labeled with denominations of money from 1 cent to $10. Knobs on the right zero the wheels.
A red paper tag attached to the object is marked: PATENT DEPT. (/) #45. The machine is marked on the front: BURROUGHS (/) PAY ROLL (/) SEGREGATOR. A metal tag attached to the base of the keyboard reads: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO. 401.
Compare to 1982.0194.12.
According to the accession file, “This is the original model of Payroll Segregator from which the patent drawings were prepared . . .” The object was model #45 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Reference:
John Magnus, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 1,699,540, filed January 21, 1921, issued January 22, 1929.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.11
catalog number
1982.0794.11
accession number
1982.0794

Psychological Test, Michigan Vocabulary Profile Test

After their widespread use during World War One, experts increasingly used psychological tests as a tool to rank and sort people in contexts including (but not limited to) education and employment.
Description
After their widespread use during World War One, experts increasingly used psychological tests as a tool to rank and sort people in contexts including (but not limited to) education and employment. The Michigan Vocabulary Profile Test (Form BM) was prepared under the direction of Edward B. Greene (Department of Psychology, University of Michigan) and was intended for use among high school and college students. It was published by the World Book Company and copyrighted in 1939. The booklet is ten pages long; the final two pages are the answer sheet (not intended for machine scoring) and a blank table entitled profile chart. While this test came with an answer sheet and a manual of directions, neither is included in this collection. The test includes vocabulary questions in eight divisions: human relations, commerce, government, physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics, fine arts, and sports. Myer’s name appears in script in the upper right-hand corner of the first page.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939
author
Greene, Edward B.
ID Number
1983.0168.09
catalog number
1983.0168.09
accession number
1983.0168

Racz Tally Roll Adding Machine Carriage

This model consists of a metal and plastic carriage, with a wide carriage at the front and a container for a narrow roll of paper at the back. There is no mechanism or paper tape. The outside metal is painted tan.A red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT.
Description
This model consists of a metal and plastic carriage, with a wide carriage at the front and a container for a narrow roll of paper at the back. There is no mechanism or paper tape. The outside metal is painted tan.
A red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #173. It was model #173 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. A metal tag attached to the object reads: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO 1018. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Between 1927 and 1942, Burroughs Adding Machine Company inventor Ernst Racz filed several patent applications for improvements in the printing and arrangement of paper tapes and receipts on adding machines. This is one of them.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1927-1942
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.30
catalog number
1982.0794.30
accession number
1982.0794

Burroughs Series F Bookkeeping Machine

This full-keyboard, printing electric bookkeeping machine has a grayish tan metal case with streamlining. It has 11 columns of square color-coded gray and off-white plastic digit keys, with nine keys in each column.
Description
This full-keyboard, printing electric bookkeeping machine has a grayish tan metal case with streamlining. It has 11 columns of square color-coded gray and off-white plastic digit keys, with nine keys in each column. Three columns of smaller rectangular keys indicate dates and types of transactions. The nine possible transaction types are denoted by the 2-digit letter combinations “CD”, “DS”, “RT”, “EX”, “FT”, “CS”, “CM”, “JE”, and “AL”. The year keys are for 50 (1950), 51 (1951), and 52 (1952). To the right of the keyboard are function bars and levers.The printing mechanism and wide carriage are at the back. A roll of paper stored with the machine has five columns of numbers and symbols printed on it. No stand is present.
A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #181.The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs.This was model #181 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
According to the accession file, this model had serial number A-971043. According to records of Burroughs, Series F machines of that serial number were made in 1949.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
maker
Burroughs
ID Number
1982.0794.33
catalog number
1982.0794.33
accession number
1982.0794

Burroughs Adding Machine

The Burroughs Adding Machine Company, long a manufacturer of full-keyboard adding machines, faced stiff competition from less expensive ten-key adding machines. In response, in 1954 they introduced their own versions of the machine, based on the British Summit.
Description
The Burroughs Adding Machine Company, long a manufacturer of full-keyboard adding machines, faced stiff competition from less expensive ten-key adding machines. In response, in 1954 they introduced their own versions of the machine, based on the British Summit. This is a prototype, designed for British currency.
The manually operated printing machine accepts nine-digit entries and prints nine-digit totals. The gray metal machine has 11 white plastic keys in a block, numbered from 1 to 11. There also is a white zero bar and a white key labeled with a pound sterling symbol. There are 4 brown function keys right of the digit keys that are labeled ST, T, -, and R. The place indicator is in back of the keyboard and the printing mechanism, with 2-1/4” carriage, behind this. The ribbon is black. A lid lifts off the top for access to the ribbon and printing mechanism. The top part of a wheel is exposed through the case to allow one to advance the paper tape. A serrated edge assists in tearing off the paper tape.
The machine is marked in back of the keyboard: Burroughs. A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #330. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Burroughs sold ten-key adding machines through at least 1965.
Compare to Summit adding machines 1982.0794.76 and 1982.0794.77, and Burroughs adding machine 1982.0794.85.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.84
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.84

Burroughs Class 16 Adding Machine Section

This model of an adding machine section has a metal frame, mechanism, paper guide, and motor cover. There is a single column of nine black plastic keys, with mechanism, motor, and stand below, and section of carriage and printing mechanism at the back.
Description
This model of an adding machine section has a metal frame, mechanism, paper guide, and motor cover. There is a single column of nine black plastic keys, with mechanism, motor, and stand below, and section of carriage and printing mechanism at the back. The keyboard is covered with green felt. To the right of the digit keys is a red “ERROR” key, with an operating bar to its right. The red clearance key is at the top of the column of keys, and a second clearance key is left of it. The dash pot in the mechanism has a clear glass cylinder. The right side is glass and the left side is open. The hole in the glass for an operating handle is empty. Two number dials are at the front of the machine.
The Burroughs Class 16 was introduced in 1926. The catalog card and a photograph sent with the object indicate that this is Burroughs Patent Department model 267.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.67
catalog number
1982.0794.67
accession number
1982.0794

Burroughs Class 2 Adding Machine Section

This model of an adding machine section has a metal frame, mechanism, paper guide, and motor cover. It has a single column of nine black plastic keys; a motor bar, mechanism, motor and base below; and section of carriage and printing mechanism at the back.
Description
This model of an adding machine section has a metal frame, mechanism, paper guide, and motor cover. It has a single column of nine black plastic keys; a motor bar, mechanism, motor and base below; and section of carriage and printing mechanism at the back. Number dials are at the front of the machine.
The Burroughs Class 2 was introduced in 1911. This is model #266 from the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Compare to 1982.0794.67.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1911
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.66
catalog number
1982.0794.66
accession number
1982.0794

Indexing Mechanism for a Burroughs Class 7 Bookkeeping Machine

This model has a metal mechanism at the back and a wide carriage in front of this. In front of the carriage is a typewriter keyboard and space bar, and in front of these are two rows of white keys. The keys at the front include one set of digit keys and various function keys.
Description
This model has a metal mechanism at the back and a wide carriage in front of this. In front of the carriage is a typewriter keyboard and space bar, and in front of these are two rows of white keys. The keys at the front include one set of digit keys and various function keys. The paper in the carriage has numbers printed sideways.
Toward the front of the machine, behind the typewriter keyboard, is a paper dial, under clear plastic, that has various phrases typed on it (e.g. “TOTAL CF”, “TRANSFER CF2-CF1”). Behind the carriage are three sets of rods on the top of the machine. To the right is a large cylinder mounted horizontally, with several toothed cylinders on it. The machine has no case. Mounted vertically at the back is a large thin disk with various holes in it. A small package of parts was received with the machine.
A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #32. A metal tag attached to the bottom at the base reads: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) [. . .]. A white tag attached to the machine reads: NOTICE (/) This machine to be preserved as a (/) model until at least 1958 for possible (/) use in any litigation or controversy which (/) may develop in connection with the feature (/) Sensing Controls (/) J. E. McVay (/) 7/25/38. Another white tag attached to the machine reads: U.S. PATENT OFFICE (/) MUELER (/) VS. CROSMAN (/) Intf. No. 72784 (/) MUELER EXH. No. 4 (/) B. Frank Whiberg (/) Notary Public.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.02
catalog number
1982.0794.02
accession number
1982.0794

Burroughs Experimental Adding Machine

This is an example of an experimental machine made in the Patent Department at Burroughs Adding Machine Company but not developed into a product. It is a manually operated ten-key printing adding machine with a metal frame painted black.
Description
This is an example of an experimental machine made in the Patent Department at Burroughs Adding Machine Company but not developed into a product. It is a manually operated ten-key printing adding machine with a metal frame painted black. The round black plastic number keys are in two rows, with function keys arranged on either side. Below the keyboard, at the front of the machine, is a set of ten number wheels covered by a glass window. The number showing in the window is the result. There is no place indicator. A wide carriage and a black ribbon are at the back. The two metal handles on the right side, one next to the number keys and the other near the carriage, have wooden knobs. There are three disjoint pieces.
This is Burroughs Corporation Patent Division model #68. It is marked in the front and behind the carriage: BURROUGHS. It is marked on a metal tag below the number wheels: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO. 501A .
Pasinski submitted patent department model number 545 in 1928. However, Burroughs also did considerable work on ten-key adding machines in a decade earlier, and the object may date from that time. hence the date range might be 1915 to 1928.
A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.14
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.14

Burroughs Experimental Adding Machine

The Burroughs Adding Machine Company made most of its profits on adding machines that had one column of nine keys for each digit of a number (these are called full-keyboard adding machines).
Description
The Burroughs Adding Machine Company made most of its profits on adding machines that had one column of nine keys for each digit of a number (these are called full-keyboard adding machines). Members of the Patent Department also experimented with machines having only ten keys for entering numbers. This is an example of such an experiment.
The manually operated printing adding machine allows one to enter numbers with up to nine digits and print nine-digit results. It has an additional column of symbol keys in the output. The frame of the case is metal painted black, the sides are of glass. One of these sides is missing. Ten black numeral keys are arranged in two rows. The six white function keys are for subtotal, non-add, backspace, non-print, repeat and error (a seventh function key has key stem only). A row of numeral wheels above indicates the sum. The keyboard is covered with green felt. A dial-shaped place indicator is on the right front. The machine has a 10 3/8”- wide carriage. There is a paper tape, but no ribbon was located. A metal handle with wooden knob painted black is on the right.
The machine is marked on the front: BURROUGHS. It is marked on a metal tag above the keyboard: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO. 106. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
This machine resembles the drawing in A. A. Horton’s United States patent 1,323,475, but is not precisely the same. Horton applied for the patent in 1911 and was granted it in 1919. According to a note with the patent application, a patent originally was applied for July 31, 1911. It was allowed May 19, 1917, but forfeited to prevent publicity of the invention in view of wartime conditions that prevented filing a patent application in Germany. The application was renewed May 15, 1919, and issued December 21, 1919.
The machine is from the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1911
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.13
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.13

Burroughs Sample Calculator, Hours and Minutes

In 1911, the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer produced by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
Description
In 1911, the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer produced by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic, like most adding machines. Burroughs inventors soon designed special versions of the calculator to solve other problems. This is a model or sample of one of them.
The machine adds hours and minutes. It has five columns of black and red color-coded plastic keys. Three columns have nine black keys, one right of these has five red keys, then the rightmost column has nine red keys. The two red columns represent minutes and tens of minutes, with carrying when the total reaches 60. Left of the number keys is a single key that is used to zero the leftmost numeral wheel. The keyboard is painted green. Six numeral wheels at the front of the machine show the result. Hours are represented on black wheels, and minutes on red ones. The machine has a black metal frame and four rubber feet. The fabric cover is painted black. One black key is missing, as are at least two screws for the case.
A red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #230. A white tag attached to the machine reads: 50500 (/) Dept Model (/) 363 (/) Hr & Min (/) Apr 24 (/) lpc. Another white tag attached to the machine reads: Reference Machine (/) 5 Columns (/) Hours & Minutes. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Models 1982.0794.44, 1982.0794.45 and 1982.0792.46 are all from Burroughs Patent Dept. model 230. This object is the leftmost one in the photographs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.44
catalog number
1982.0794.44
accession number
1982.0794

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