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.

Topic: Adding Machines

Wooden Box Model Comptometer

This key-driven non-printing adding machine has eight columns of metal keys, with nine keys in each column. It indicates totals with as many as nine digits. It is the sixth of eight production models made by American inventor and entrepreneur Dorr E.
Description
This key-driven non-printing adding machine has eight columns of metal keys, with nine keys in each column. It indicates totals with as many as nine digits. It is the sixth of eight production models made by American inventor and entrepreneur Dorr E. Felt of Chicago as he began his work with key-driven adding machines in 1886 and 1887.
The keys in each column are stamped with the numbers from 1 to 9, with the digits colored black. The key stems pass through the key tops and there is a spring around each key stem. The stems become progressively longer as the digits get larger. No complementary digits are indicated, and the key tops are flat and entirely of metal. The case is of cherry, with a metal plate at the front. Nine windows in this metal plate reveal digits on nine number wheels that indicate the total. A zeroing lever and knob are on the right side of the machine. The base is covered with green felt. Metal and paper tags are stored with object.
The machine is marked on a metal tag screwed to the top in back of the keyboard: D.E.FELT MFR (/) PAT’S PENDING. A metal tag stored with the machine reads: 2. There is no serial number
According to the accession journal of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company, received from the successor firm of Victor Comptometer Corporation, this was the sixth of the first eight marketable Comptometers built by Felt with the help of R. F. Foster in the fall of 1886. It was secured by Felt & Tarrant from Mr. Foster in 1938.
References:
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal 1991.3107.06.
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: Western Society of Engineers, 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1886
maker
Felt, Dorr E.
ID Number
MA.323649
catalog number
323649
accession number
250163

Mechanical Accountant

This key-driven adding machine has a black metal case, and seven columns of nine plastic or ceramic keys and one column of seven keys. The rightmost column of keys is white, with eighth fractions from 1/8 to 7/8. The two columns left of this are black with white digits.
Description
This key-driven adding machine has a black metal case, and seven columns of nine plastic or ceramic keys and one column of seven keys. The rightmost column of keys is white, with eighth fractions from 1/8 to 7/8. The two columns left of this are black with white digits. The next three columns left of this are white with black digits, and the two leftmost columns are black with white digits. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Results appear in a row of nine windows in back of the keyboard. The latest number entered appears in a row of eight windows behind this. A metal lever in front of the keys cancels an entry, but not the total. There is an opening for a zeroing crank, but no crank. The windows are covered with translucent plastic.
This is the earlier “simplex” model of the machine, which was designed to have numbers entered one digit at a time. The simultaneous operation of two columns where a carry is involved results in loss of the carry.
The machine is marked at the front: Mechanical Accountant (/) MODEL H. (/) MANUFACTURED BY (/) MECHANICAL ACCOUNTANT CO.,PROV.,R.I. (/) PATENTED JULY 30TH. 1901(/) FEB.10TH, 1903. (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING. The tag is also stamped: DEC.15.’91. No serial number was found.
Joseph Abram Turck of Providence, Rhode Island, assigned three patents to the Mechanical Accountant Company. Turck then went on to work for Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company of Chicago.
Compare MA.371386.
References:
J. A. V. Turck, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 631345, granted August 22, 1899.
J. A. V. Turck, “Calculating Machine,” U.S. Patent 679,348, granted July 30, 1901.
J. A. V. Turck, “Calculating-Machine,” U.S. Patent 720,086, granted February 10, 1903.
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 550.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1903
maker
Mechanical Accountant Company
ID Number
MA.323599
accession number
250163
catalog number
323599

Stima Adding machine

This handheld instrument has nine parallel brass rods with holes in them. The holes in each rod are numbered from 1 to 9. Numbers are entered by pulling down rods with a stylus. The total appears in a set of nine holes at the bottom of the instrument.
Description
This handheld instrument has nine parallel brass rods with holes in them. The holes in each rod are numbered from 1 to 9. Numbers are entered by pulling down rods with a stylus. The total appears in a set of nine holes at the bottom of the instrument. A lever on the side may be set so that a number entered is recorded in another set of nine holes that are immediately below the columns. The machine also has a carry mechanism; a white plastic zeroing button that is pulled out to zero the result register; a brown plastic button that is pushed to zero the entry register; a white plastic button used for subtraction; and decimal markers. Instructions are stored with the object and its leather-covered velvet-lined case. The stylus is missing.
Reference:
Ernst Martin, Die Rechenmaschinen, second edition, p. 454.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
maker
Steinmann, Albert
ID Number
MA.323617
accession number
250163
catalog number
323617

Centigraph Adder

This nine-key manual non-printing adding machine has an iron case painted black, and nine white number keys arranged in two rows. It adds one digit at a time, up to and including 500.
Description
This nine-key manual non-printing adding machine has an iron case painted black, and nine white number keys arranged in two rows. It adds one digit at a time, up to and including 500. The digits of the result appear in three windows on the face of the machine, which is in the shape of an alarm clock. A zeroing knob is in the center of this face, and the result windows are above the knob. There is no maker’s mark on the machine.
The machine is identified as a Centigraph Adder in the accession file, although it differs from other machines with this name in having nine rather than five keys, in having a case, in the placement of the result windows, and in having paper and plastic rather than plastic key covers. Moreover it has a mechanical carry, unlike the Centigraph described in the patent. Two screws on back allow one to remove front cover. The mechanism appears to be steel, and quite different from A.E.Shattuck’s 1891 patent for the Centigraph.
References:
Arthur E. Shattuck, “Adding-Machine,” U.S. Patent 453,778, June 9, 1891.
Accession File.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MA.323611
accession number
250163
catalog number
323611

Wales Model 20 Adding Machine

This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black with a glass panel in front of the number dials. Nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys arise from a the metal keyboard that is painted green.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black with a glass panel in front of the number dials. Nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys arise from a the metal keyboard that is painted green. Total and subtotal keys are to the left of the keyboard. Red plastic repeat and correction keys are above the number keys, and a key stem and non-add key are behind the numeral dials. These nine dials are behind the keyboard, with divisions for U.S. currency indicated. The metal crank for operating the machine is on the right. At the back of the machine is the printing mechanism and a 13-inch (33 cm.) movable carriage. A bell is at the far left of the carriage. There is a two-color ribbon. The machine is extremely heavy.
The machine is marked on the front, and on the front of the carriage: WALES. It is marked above the keyboard: MANUFACTURED BY (/) THE ADDER MACHINE COMPANY (/) WILKES-BARRE, PA.,U.S.A. It is marked on the back with a list of 19 patent dates. The first of these is: PATENTED DEC. 1. 1903. The last is: JULY 5. 1913. It is marked on the carriage: 2065. The serial number, shown on the front of the machine at the bottom, is: 20-40243.
There is a metal stand painted black, with a wooden table on the right side. The stand is stored separately. Its dimensions are: 56 cm. w. x 57 cm. d. x 79 cm. h., with writing table down.
Compare to MA.323593.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 60-61, 544-545.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1916
maker
Adder Machine Company
ID Number
MA.335934
catalog number
335934
accession number
1977.0380

Universal Model 5 Adding Machine

This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal and glass case, with the metal painted black. The keyboard is covered with green felt.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal and glass case, with the metal painted black. The keyboard is covered with green felt. There are nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic number keys, with a red clearance key at the bottom of each column. Two of the clearance keys are missing. The key stems for the number keys are bent to ensure that the keys form columns. A button on the left clears the entire keyboard. There is also a lever to the right of the keyboard. When it is shifted up, the keyboard automatically zeros after addition. When it is shifted down, the keyboard remains set after an addition, so that the lever also serves as a repeat key. A crank in the right side of the machine drives it. Behind the keyboard are nine white numeral dials that show the result through glass windows in the case. When the repeat lever is shifted up, the clearance button is depressed and the operating crank is brought forward, and the total decreases (it seems likely that this is supposed to zero the adding wheels).
At the top of the machine is a printing mechanism, with a two-colored ribbon. The carriage is 33 cm. wide, 46 cm. with the handles. The eight platen positions are set manually by release levers at the top. This is a blind printing machine, with the paper or paper tape emerging at the top so that it is visible to the operator. It has a two-color ribbon. A bell on the carriage handle rings when one approaches the bottom of a piece of paper.
The machine is marked at the front: UNIVERSAL (/) ACCOUNTANT MACHINE CO. (/) St. LOUIS, MO. (/) PAT.APR.20,1897, PAT.NOV.28, 1899, PAT.JULY 24, 1900 (/) PATENTS APPLIED FOR. It is marked behind the keyboard, over the result dials: Universal. It is marked on paper behind the carriage: No UAM (/) CO 5.
Universal Accountant Machine Company was organized by 1898 and purchased by Burroughs Adding Machine Company in 1908. The model originally sold for $300, with electric drive $75 extra. It was introduced in about 1905. Burroughs discontinued production of the machine.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 544.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 148.
The Universal Accountant Machine Company, “1905 Model” and “Universal Adding Machines,” Warshaw Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
maker
Universal Accountant Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323591
catalog number
323591
accession number
250163

Davies Adding Machine

This U.S. Patent Office model has five continuous metal bands that move in slots across a wooden frame. Flat pieces of brass cover the top of the frame on the right and the left, keeping the bands in their slots.
Description
This U.S. Patent Office model has five continuous metal bands that move in slots across a wooden frame. Flat pieces of brass cover the top of the frame on the right and the left, keeping the bands in their slots. The bands are made up of small flat squares of metal, with nine squares silver-colored and the tenth one brass. Each square has a hole at the center for a stylus. Strips of paper attached between the bands have the numbers from 1 to 9. Moving a band to the right turns a wheel clockwise. The edge of this wheel, which is covered around the edge with a paper marked with the digits from 0 to 9, is visible through a window in the right piece of brass. The number shown increases as the wheel turns. A lever on the left side disengages the fourth and fifth columns. According to the patent description, there is a carry mechanism activated when a wheel passes 9.
The machine is marked on the left top: Computing (/) Machine (/) A.W. Davies.
Cleveland city directories list an Alexander W. Davies who worked off and on as a clerk, car agent, and accountant for several railroads between 1863 and 1900. It is probable that he took out two patents in 1891 for inventions relating to recording the mileage traveled by railroad cars. Railroad companies would soon become major users of business machines, including IBM tabulating equipment.
References:
A. W. Davies, “Improvement in Computing Machines,” U.S. Patent 65,883, June 18, 1867.
Charles C. Gale, Royal Cowles, and Alexander W. Davies, “Car Mileage Report,” U.S. Patent 455197, June 30, 1891.
Charles C. Gale, Royal Cowles, and Alexander W. Davies, “Car Mileage Register,” U.S. Patent 456650, July 28, 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1867
patentee
Davies, A. W.
maker
Davies, A. W.
ID Number
MA.252690
catalog number
252690
accession number
49064

Comptometer, Macaroni Box Model

This is the prototype for the Comptometer, a key-driven adding machine invented by Dorr E. Felt of Chicago.
Description
This is the prototype for the Comptometer, a key-driven adding machine invented by Dorr E. Felt of Chicago. It is a scarred wooden box (originally used to transport macaroni) that contains the levers and wheels for a 5-column adding machine with one partial column of keys (wooden skewers), four of which are missing. The number dials are at the front. Two screws are on the top of the back panel. A series of rubber bands, used to set the levers to accept the next keystroke, are missing.
Compare to replica, which has catalog number MA.323646.
Reference:
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: Western Society of Engineers, 1921, pp. 52-56.
date made
1884-1885
maker
Felt, Dorr E.
ID Number
MA.311192
catalog number
311192
accession number
143207

Pike Style E Adding Machine

This full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has eight columns of black and white color-coded keys. In back of each column of digit keys is a red key, which may be intended for zeroing the column.
Description
This full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has eight columns of black and white color-coded keys. In back of each column of digit keys is a red key, which may be intended for zeroing the column. The machine has a metal case painted black, and is painted green under the keyboard. The total, which may have as many as nine digits, appears in a row of number dials at the front of the machine. Above the keyboard is a dial that records the number of items added. Behind the dial is the printing mechanism and a 30 cm. carriage (dimension without handles). Also present are a total key and various other unmarked levers and function keys. The operating crank is missing from the right side.
The dial above the keyboard reads: PIKE ADDING MACHINE CO. ORANGE, N.J. A brass plaque on the back of the machine reads: MADE BY (/) PIKE ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) ORANGE, N.J., U.S.A. (/) STYLE E No. 2359. A brass plaque in front of the keyboard reads: PIKE ADDING MACHINERY ORANGE N.J. U.S.A. (/) CONCESSIONNAIRE EXCLUSIVE (/) STE. AN. DES APPAREILS DE CONTROLE ET DE COMPTE AUTOMATIQUE (/) AU CAPITAL DE [...] (/) 78 RUE REAUMUR PARIS.
The Pike adding machine was first manufactured in 1904. In 1909 Burroughs Adding Machine Company purchased the company, and developed the machine into the Burroughs Class 3 and then the Class 300. Compare 1986.0192.01.
According to Pike patents of 1903 and early 1904, the company was in St. Louis. Later in 1904, Pike Adding Machine Company is listed as in Orange, New Jersey.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 539.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), p. 152.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1905-1909
maker
Pike Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323588
catalog number
323588
accession number
250163

Linderoos Adding Machine

This shield-shaped brass instrument has an inset rotating disc with 100 holes numbered clockwise around the edge. The outside of the disc also has 100 numbered divisions. A piece of the outer shield curves in across the disc to the center and serves as a stop in addition.
Description
This shield-shaped brass instrument has an inset rotating disc with 100 holes numbered clockwise around the edge. The outside of the disc also has 100 numbered divisions. A piece of the outer shield curves in across the disc to the center and serves as a stop in addition. Above the disc are three smaller wheels on top of the shield. The wheel on the right is numbered counterclockwise from 0 to 9 and labeled: 100 1000. The wheel in the middle is numbered clockwise from 0 to 9 and labeled: 1000 10,000. The leftmost wheel is numbered clockwise by tens from 0 to ten and labeled: 10,000 100,000. There is a pointer for each wheel. Rotating the large disc through 100 causes the “100 1000” disc to rotate one unit (as presently arranged, the reading on the wheel decreases by one unit). The small wheels also may be rotated separately, although the carry to higher places does not seem to work properly.
Linderoos, a native of Scandinavia, emigrated to California and, by 1867, was an attorney and notary public in Point Arena (the town was also known as Punta Arena). In1881, he would be appointed a Postmaster there. He died in 1885.
References:
Gustavus Linderoos, “Improvement in Adding-Machines,” U.S. Patent No. 140,146, June 24, 1873. Here he is listed as a resident of Point Arena, California.
Ancestry.com.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
patentee
Linderoos, Gustavus
maker
Linderoos, Gustavus
ID Number
MA.252697
accession number
49064
catalog number
252697
patent number
140146

Gem Adding Machine

This small stylus-operated non-printing adding machine has seven chains in parallel columns. The links visible in each column are numbered from 1 to 9. A stylus is placed in a link of the chain and pulled down to enter a digit.
Description
This small stylus-operated non-printing adding machine has seven chains in parallel columns. The links visible in each column are numbered from 1 to 9. A stylus is placed in a link of the chain and pulled down to enter a digit. Above the columns are seven windows to show results On the right is a knob which may be intended for zeroing. The device sits in a small steel stand that has four rubber feet. The stylus is missing.
The machine is marked on the bottom: PATENTED MARCH 1ST 1904 - MARCH 27TH 1906. (/) UNITED STATES AND FOREIGN PATENTS PENDING. It is marked on the left side: No. 8445 (/) AUTOMATIC ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) NEW YORK U.S.A. It is marked on the stand: GEM. A paper tag has Felt & Tarrant adding machine collection number 37.
According to U.S. Census records, Abraham Isaac Gancher was born in Russia of Russian parents in about 1875. He came to the United States in 1892 and initially worked as a leather salesman. He and his wife, Rebecca Gancher, mariied in 1899. Gancher became interested in adding machines a few years later. He was active in the Automatic Adding Machine Company through at least 1918. Nobyoshi A. Kodama, who took out early patents used in the GEM, had pulled out of the picture by 1908.
Compare to 1981.0935.01.
Gancher went on to patent and sell a printing adding machine that was also sold by Automatic Adding Machine as the Gancher. See U.S. patents 1047199 (1912) and 1178227 (1916).
References:
Ads in Scientific American, vol. 95, October, 1906, p. 314; vol. 96, March 2, 1907, p. 203; and vol. 96, Mar. 30, 1907.
Nobyoshi A. Kodama, “Automatic Adding and subtracting Apparatus,” U.S. Patent 783,586, March 1, 1904. Kodama was a subject of the Emperor of Japan living in New York City, New York. He assigned half of the patent to Rebecca Gancher of New York, N.Y.
Nobyoshi A. Kodama and Abraham I. Gancher, “Adding-Machine,” U.S. Patent 816,342, March 27, 1906. Kodama was a subject of the Mikado of Japan. Both he and Gancher, a U.S. citizen, were living in Manhattan, New York. The patent was assigned to Automatic Adding Machine Company of New York, N.Y.
Abraham I. Gancher and Albert T. Zabriskie, “Adding-Machine,” U.S. Patent 847,759, March 19,1907. This patent describes the stand. It was assigned to Automatic Adding Machine Company of New York, N.Y.
Abraham I. Gancher, “Adding-Machine,” U.S. Patent 1015307, January 31, 1912.
Norman Klein, "40,000 Words on Post Card? It's Easy, Says Champion," New York Evening Post, Friday, December 23, 1932. The article gives information about Abraham Gancher.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
maker
Automatic Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323621
accession number
250163
catalog number
323621
maker number
8445

Comptometer Model J

In 1927 officials at Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company of Chicago learned that rival Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit had one of its recent machines on exhibit at the U.S. National Museum (as the Smithsonian’s museum was then called).
Description
In 1927 officials at Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company of Chicago learned that rival Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit had one of its recent machines on exhibit at the U.S. National Museum (as the Smithsonian’s museum was then called). They offered to supply the museum with an example of their latest adding machine, the Model J Comptometer, and to construct a section of the device for display. The museum accepted the offer, and received both this Comptometer and a related model.
This machine has a brown metal case and eight columns of green and off-white color-coded plastic-covered keys. Odd numbered keys are concave, even numbered keys flat. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. The first key pressed after the machine has been zeroed rings a bell. There are numbered decimal markers, subtraction levers, and a row of nine windows at the front to indicate the result shown on number wheels below. A zeroing crank is on the right. There is a red key at the back of the keyboard on the right.
The machine is marked on the front and back of the case: Comptometer. It his serial number marked to the left of the keyboard near the front: J264527. A metal tag behind the keyboard reads in part: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK. It also is marked with several patent dates. The last is: Nov.2.20.
For a related object, see 309394.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.309393
accession number
98776
maker number
J264527
catalog number
309393

Webb Adder

This two-wheeled stylus-operated non-printing adding machine is made of silver-colored metal. It has one large wheel with the numbers from 00 to 99 stamped around the edge. The second, smaller wheel has the numbers from 0 to 49 stamped evenly around its edge.
Description
This two-wheeled stylus-operated non-printing adding machine is made of silver-colored metal. It has one large wheel with the numbers from 00 to 99 stamped around the edge. The second, smaller wheel has the numbers from 0 to 49 stamped evenly around its edge. A ring of holes is just inside each ring of numbers. A metal frame and plate cover the back and outer edges of the two wheels, revealing numbers in a small window between the wheels. Numbers are added by rotation of the wheels, up to sums of 4999. The frame is serrated around the edge. There is no stylus. The large wheel is marked: The Adder (/) C.H. WEBB. The plate is marked: PAT’D NOV 5TH 12TH 1889. The serial number stamped on the back is: 5136.
Charles Henry Webb of New York first patented an adding machine in 1868. This improved version of the device is described in a patent he took out on November 12, 1889, and in one obtained by Lester C. Smith on November 5 of that year. This example was used by the civil engineer Chauncey B. Schmeltzer who taught at the University of Illinois.
References:
C. H. Webb, “Adding-Machine,” U.S. Patent 414959, November 12, 1889.
Lester C. Smith, “Adding-Machine,” U.S. Patent 414335, November 5, 1889.
P. Kidwell, “The Webb Adder,” Rittenhouse, 1 (1986) 12-18
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 63.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
patentee
Webb, Charles H.
ID Number
MA.317925.01
accession number
317925
catalog number
317925.01

Burroughs Calculator

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

Dalton Adding Machine

This ten-key printing manual adding machine has an black iron and glass frame with a steel keyboard painted green. Two rows of white plastic number keys are marked with digits and their complements (complements are in red).
Description
This ten-key printing manual adding machine has an black iron and glass frame with a steel keyboard painted green. Two rows of white plastic number keys are marked with digits and their complements (complements are in red). One could punch the digits of a number without setting the place of the first digit. Numbers with up to nine digits could be entered. The five red function keys read designate, eliminate, repeat, total, and correction. A place for a crank is on the right side, but no crank. The printing mechanism, with two-colored ribbon, is on the top of the machine. Apparently the machine does not print symbols. Nine-digit totals could be printed. The “nine-inch” movable carriage has a paper tape dispenser behind it, but no paper tape. The serrated edge above the platen for tears the paper tape.
A mark on the front reads: Dalton. A mark on a brass tag attached at the bottom front reads: Dalton (/) ADDING (/) MACHINE (/) CO. (/) POPLAR BLUFF,MO.U.S.A. This tag also reads: PAT. AUG. 1, 1899 NO. 630053 (/) REISSUE DEC. 27. ‘04 No. 12286 (/) PAT. SEPT. 24, 1912 NO. 1039130 (/) PAT. DEC. 31, 1912 NO. 1049057 (/) PAT. DEC. 31, 1912 NO. 1049093 (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING. A metal tag attached at the bottom on the back reads: NO 17946.
The Dalton adding machine grew out of patents of Indiana-born St. Louis machinist Hubert Hopkins (b. 1859) and Chicago inventor Harry H. Helmick. Attempts to patent and manufacture a machine began in St. Louis in 1902. After complex business dealings, including intervention from other adding machine manufacturers, James L. Dalton (1866-1926) acquired exclusive rights to manufacture machines under the Hopkins patents. In late 1903 Dalton and his associates founded the Adding Typewriter Company of St. Louis (later the Dalton Adding Machine Company). By 1912 the firm was established in Dalton’s home town of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. This machine was made there. In 1914, the company moved to Norwood, Ohio, near Cincinnati.
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, “The Adding Machine Fraternity at St. Louis: Creating a Center of Invention, 1880-1920.” IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, 22 #2 (April-June 2000): pp. 14-15.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1913
maker
Dalton Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323589
accession number
250163
maker number
17946
catalog number
323589

Comptometer Model C, British Currency

This model of an adding machine section has a single black key “1” key, with a complementary 0 digit, in the rightmost column. Left of this is a column of nine white keys. Keys for odd digit keys are concave, and those for even digits are flat.
Description
This model of an adding machine section has a single black key “1” key, with a complementary 0 digit, in the rightmost column. Left of this is a column of nine white keys. Keys for odd digit keys are concave, and those for even digits are flat. Three numeral wheels are at the front. The rightmost has alternate zeros and ones, and the two to the left both have the digits from 0 to 9. There is a handle on the right side. There is no case. The keys apparently could be used to add shillings (there being 20 to a pound).
This object came to the Smithsonian from Victor Comptometer Corporation, the successor firm to Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
References:
Accession Journal 1991.3107.06.
British Patent No. 5387 to Dorr E. Felt, applied for March 5, 1909, and granted June 6, 1910.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1909
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323652
accession number
250163
catalog number
323652

Comptometer Model B, 1/20 Fraction

This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a metal top and mechanism, eight columns of color-coded octagonal plastic keys with complementary digits indicated, and a zeroing crank on the right side. The second column of keys from the right has only one key in it.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a metal top and mechanism, eight columns of color-coded octagonal plastic keys with complementary digits indicated, and a zeroing crank on the right side. The second column of keys from the right has only one key in it. The keys are alternately concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). Nine rows of number wheels in front of the keyboard indicate the result. The second number wheel from the right has only zeros and ones on it. The sides and base of the machine are missing. It is marked on a metal tag screwed to the top at the back: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK. The last patent date on the tag is: AUG.9.04.
This is a forerunner of the Model C Comptometer for British currency (MA.323652).
Reference:
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323653
catalog number
323653
accession number
250163

Comptometer Model J

This key-driven adding machine had ten columns of color-coded green and white plastic keys. Complementary digits were indicated on the keys, and they were alternately concave (for odd digits) and flat (for even digits).
Description
This key-driven adding machine had ten columns of color-coded green and white plastic keys. Complementary digits were indicated on the keys, and they were alternately concave (for odd digits) and flat (for even digits). Another key stem is at the back to the right of the number keys. In front of the keys is a row of ten subtraction levers. In front of these is a row of ten numbered decimal markers. In front of these are windows in the metal case that reveal 11 number dials, that indicate the result of addition.
The machine is marked on the front top at the left: J329139. It is marked on the front: Comptometer. It is marked on a sticker on the left side: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (/) 89699-BAE.
This instrument came to the Smithsonian from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Reference:
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal 1991.3107.06
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.328128
maker number
J329139
catalog number
328128
accession number
270163

Comptometer Section - Super Totalizer

This model has two columns of white plastic keys and one column of green keys. Odd-numbered digit keys are concave, and even-numbered ones, flat. At the front, there are two aluminum numeral wheels on one shaft, and two on a second shaft in front of the first one.
Description
This model has two columns of white plastic keys and one column of green keys. Odd-numbered digit keys are concave, and even-numbered ones, flat. At the front, there are two aluminum numeral wheels on one shaft, and two on a second shaft in front of the first one. Two metal levers are on the right side, perhaps for zeroing. A shaft with a rubber handle is on the left side at the back. This is a study model of the supertotalizer motor-driven double register Comptometer. This form of Comptometer was invented by J. A. V. Turck. According to a label received with the collection, this model was built in 1943. It has no case.
Reference:
Accession Journal 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323639
catalog number
323639
accession number
250163

Austin Adding Machine

This adding machine has an iron frame with glass sides, back, and top. Across the front are ten plastic-covered keys. The operating crank is on the right side. The number entered appears in one window under the glass, and the total in another window.
Description
This adding machine has an iron frame with glass sides, back, and top. Across the front are ten plastic-covered keys. The operating crank is on the right side. The number entered appears in one window under the glass, and the total in another window. Decimal points and commas are represented by painted arrows. There is a zeroing lever on the left side. The machine does not print. The machine is marked: AUSTIN. It is also marked: Austin Adding Machine (/) Baltimore. U.S.A. A tag attached to the base on the inside of the machine toward the back is stamped with the serial number: A-1224.
The donor acquired this machine in the early 1960s from a veterinarian’s office, where it had remained after the doctor passed away in the early 1930s.
References:
Sydney B. Austin, “Adding, Subtracting and Multiplying Machine,” US Patent 1,034565, August 6, 1912.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 267.
Accession File.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1912
maker
Austin Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.333895
accession number
304348
catalog number
333895

Calcumeter

This eight-wheeled stylus operated non-printing adding machine has wheels of brass and copper and a steel frame. Two metal supports on the back can be lowered so that the machine is at an angle rather than lying flat. The machine is marked on the front: THE CALCUMETER.
Description
This eight-wheeled stylus operated non-printing adding machine has wheels of brass and copper and a steel frame. Two metal supports on the back can be lowered so that the machine is at an angle rather than lying flat. The machine is marked on the front: THE CALCUMETER. It is marked on the right side: H.N.MORSE (/) TRENTON,N.J. It is marked on the left: 18143 (/) PAT’D DEC 17 ‘01. This is number 38 in the Felt & Tarrant collection.
The Calcumeter was invented by James J. Walsh of Elizabeth, N.J. who applied for a patent January 16, 1901, and was granted it December 17, 1901 (U.S. Patent 689,225). Walsh went on to patent a resetting device for the machine on September 1, 1908 (U.S. Patent #897,688). This example of the machine does not have that mechanism. The instrument was first manufactured by Morse & Walsh Company in 1903 and 1904, but by 1906 was produced by Herbert North Morse of Trenton. Morse was a native of New Jersey who attended the South Jersey Institute in Bridgeton, N.J. and then spent a year at Harvard College. By 1916, he not only owned the Calcumeter adding machine business, but was assistant commissioner of education for the state of New Jersey.
Compare MA.335352.
Reference:
Harvard College Class of 1896, "Report V," June, 1916, Norwood, Massachusetts: Plimpton Press, p. 192.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1901
maker
Morse, H. N.
ID Number
MA.323622
accession number
250163
catalog number
323622

Pamphlet, The Comptometer

This small pamphlet introduces the wooden box model of the Comptometer. The document was received with a later model of the Comptometer (see MA.335357).Reference:P. A.
Description
This small pamphlet introduces the wooden box model of the Comptometer. The document was received with a later model of the Comptometer (see MA.335357).
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, “American Scientists and Calculating Machines: From Novelty to Commonplace,” Annals of the History of Computing, 12, 1990, pp. 31-40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co.
ID Number
MA.304826.62
accession number
304826
catalog number
304826.62

Pascal Adding Machine Section (Replica)

As a youth, Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was asked to assist his father in calculations relating to tax returns. Pascal, a future mathematician and natural philosopher, decided that addition and subtraction could be done more easily by machine.
Description
As a youth, Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was asked to assist his father in calculations relating to tax returns. Pascal, a future mathematician and natural philosopher, decided that addition and subtraction could be done more easily by machine. The French teenager invented one of the first mechanical adding machines. This is a replica of two counting units in a Pascal adding machine.
The model has a brass mechanism, paper number labels, and a transparent plastic case. It shows the two highest counting units of a Pascal adding machine. Two wheels at the front are for entering digits. They both link to horizontal cog wheels with pins protruding from them. These wheels, in turn, are linked to vertical cog wheels that drive the result drums at the back. The vertical wheels are also linked so that as the wheel on the right advances, a weight linked to the other wheel rises. Once the right wheel has been turned a full circle (entering 10), the weight falls and advances the left wheel by one unit, carrying a digit. Nines complements are marked around the result dials for use in subtraction.
Pascal and his associates made about fifty adding machines in the course of his life, but they never became a practical product. This replica was made for the Smithsonian in 1964.
Reference:
Michael R. Williams, A History of Computing Technology, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1985.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1964
maker
Search Corporation
ID Number
MA.323882
accession number
254097
catalog number
323882

Burroughs Class 3 Adding Machine

This full keyboard printing manual adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal keyboard painted green, and nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. A glass window at the front of the machine reveals nine number dials.
Description
This full keyboard printing manual adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal keyboard painted green, and nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. A glass window at the front of the machine reveals nine number dials. A crank fits into the right side. Behind the keyboard is a 12” carriage with a narrow paper tape and a bell. The key tops for the five function keys are loose or missing.
The machine is marked on a metal tag attached to the front: #3-674863. It is marked behind the keyboard: Burroughs. There is a line through the “o” in this mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.335029
accession number
312145
maker number
#3-674863
catalog number
335029

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