Two copies of an advertising flyer for the Ross Precision Computer, the Ross Meridi-o-graph, and the Ross Rapid Computer were received with 1996.3077.01. The flyer provides photographs and descriptions of the three instruments. It also cites press releases published in Scientific American 114, no. 3, January 15, 1916, and Engineering News 75, no. 21, May 25, 1916.
Also received was a short letter initialed by the inventor of these devices, Louis Ross, and addressed to Roy Kegerreis of New York City. The letter, dated July 31, 1918, notes the availability of the instruments and offers them on a trial basis. Enclosed were a 3-1/4" by 6-1/2" printed note addressed "To Men in the Army and Navy," describing the suitability of the instruments for military purposes. A second printed note, of the same size, announced the addition of trigonometric scales to the Precision Computer even though the price remained at $20.00.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.