Comptometer, Macaroni Box Model
Comptometer, Macaroni Box Model
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- 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.
- Object Name
- adding machine
- date made
- 1884-1885
- maker
- Felt, Dorr E.
- place made
- United States: Illinois, Chicago
- Physical Description
- wood (overall material)
- cork (overall material)
- metal (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 25 cm x 20 cm x 52.5 cm; 9 27/32 in x 7 7/8 in x 20 21/32 in
- ID Number
- MA.311192
- catalog number
- 311192
- accession number
- 143207
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Heirs of Dorr E. Felt
- subject
- Mathematics
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Mathematics
- Adding Machines
- Science & Mathematics
- Exhibition
- Inventing In America
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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