Computers & Business Machines
Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.
The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers
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Scofield-Thacher Engineer's Slide Rule
- Description
- The scales on this 22-inch, two-sided wooden slide rule are printed on paper. The front has two scales on the left end of the base labeled B and C and two scales labeled A on the left end of the slide. These scales run half the length of the instrument. The B and two A scales are identical, divided logarithmically from left to right and running from 1 to 10. The C scale is divided logarithmically from right to left and runs from 10 to 1. It is labeled RECIPROCALS.
- The right end of the base has two D scales, both labeled ROOTS, with two additional A scales on the right end of the slide. The A scales are divided logarithmically from left to right and run from 1 to 10. The top D scale runs from 1 to 3.16 and shows square roots of the numbers on the A scale below it. The bottom D scale runs from 3.16 to 10 and shows square roots of the numbers on the A scale above it, between 10 and 100. Written in pencil on the back of the slide and underneath the slide is the number 1096.
- The back of the rule contains two scales on the base labeled F and two scales on the slide labeled E. The top F scale runs the length of the scale and is divided logarithmically from 1 to 10. The sections between 1 and 2, between 2 and 3, between 3 and 4, and between 4 and 5 are subdivided. The lower F scale is similarly divided, but starts from the center of the rule (running from the square root of 10, or 3.16, to 10 and then from 1 to the square root of 10). The E scales are identical to the adjacent F scales. Written in pencil on the back of the slide and underneath the slide is the number 1097.
- The bottom of the base on both sides is marked: Patented July 2, 1901. The top edge of the rule is marked: THE ENGINEERS (/) SLIDE RULE. It is also marked: From E. M. Scofield, Bridge Engineer. (/) Sta. A, – Youngstown, – Ohio. (/) Rule sent prepaid on receipt of price. (/) Factory, – Youngstown, Ohio. The paper pasted on this edge also has the formula ex/f, a description of how to solve this formula with the instrument, and tables of equivalents. The bottom edge of the rule gives seventeen more formulas and instructions. It is marked: DIRECTIONS FOR SCALES A • B • C & D (/) FOR "Op." READ "OPPOSITE" (/) FOR "—" READ "ON SCALE" (/) FOR "Ans." READ "FIND ANSWER" (/) FOR LAST SIX PROBLEMS REVERSE SLIDE.
- Edson Mason Scofield (1867–1939) developed this rule in 1891, while he worked for Edwin Thacher (inventor of the cylindrical slide rule bearing his name; see, for example, MA.312866). Thacher applied for a patent on the design in 1900 and assigned a half-interest to Scofield when the patent was issued in 1901. According to the instrument, Scofield may have distributed the rule himself. It was also sold by Eugene Dietzgen Company of Chicago from about 1901 through at least 1931. The price for model 1787 ranged from $5.00 to $7.00. By 1926, Dietzgen marked the rule with its company name. This instrument is identical to MA.325990.
- John N. Welsh (1904–1999), the donor of this slide rule, was a chemical engineer who obtained his B.S. from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1925. He was associated with Hall Laboratories, Inc. of Pittsburgh (later CALGON) from 1939 through at least 1968. By 1972, when this slide rule was briefly placed on exhibit, Welsh was living in Florida.
- References: Edwin Thacher, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 677,817 issued July 2, 1901); Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 7th ed. (Chicago, 1904), 173; Catalog of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 12th ed. (Chicago, 1926), 177; Conrad Schure, "The Scofield-Thacher Slide Rule," Journal of the Oughtred Society 3, no. 1 (1994): 20–25; Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 161; Who's Who in Engineering (New York and West Palm Beach: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1964), 1996.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1901-1926
- maker
- Scofield, E. M.
- ID Number
- MA.333710
- catalog number
- 333710
- accession number
- 300658
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Dalton Adding Machine
- Description
- This ten-key printing manually operated adding machine allows one to enter numbers and record totals up to ten digits. It has a dark brown metal body with two rows of white plastic number keys. Both numbers and their complements are indicated. The handle, mechanism, and stand are metal, with a wooden knob on the handle and carriage handles covered with decaying rubber. In addition to number keys, there are backspace, subtract, non-add and multiply keys on the keyboard. A hand-motor lever is to the right of these. Above it are release, total, and subtotal keys.
- Directly above the number keys is a place indicator. To its left is the correction bar. Above these is the printing mechanism (with a two-color ribbon) and carriage (about 10” wide), and a paper tape. On the right is the crank. The machine is on a metal base, with a metal stand with wooden kick stand. There is no motor or cord. The stand has one wheel at the center of the back and two wheels at the front.
- The machine is marked above the number keys: Dalton (/) CINCINNATI, OHIO. It is marked on the carriage: Dalton (/) ADDING, (/) LISTING AND (/) CALCULATING MACHINE. It is marked under the handle: NO203986. The underside of the base is marked: 0100. It is also marked: 0230A .
- Reference:
- Office Machines Research Inc., section 3.21, 1937.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1927
- maker
- Dalton Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- MA.334914
- accession number
- 313270
- maker number
- 203986
- catalog number
- 334914
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Dalton Little Giant Adding Machine
- Description
- This ten-key printing manual machine has a steel frame painted black, a metal mechanism, and ten white plastic numeral keys in two rows. Complementary digits on the keys are in red. Numbers up to seven digits long may be entered. There are black plastic non-add, multiply, back space, subtract, total, and subtotal keys, and a metal correction bar. Above the number keys is a place indicator. The printing mechanism has a black tape and a non-print key. Behind it is a 6 inch carriage, with paper tape. Results up to seven digits long may be printed. A serrated edge above the platen is for tearing off the paper tape. The handles of the carriage and crank are of a red substance that is corroding. There are four rubber feet.
- The machine is marked on the front: Dalton (/) CINCINNATI, OHIO. (/) U.S.A. It is marked under the crank: NO124864. It is marked on the back: DALTON (/) ADDING-CALCULATING MACHINE (/) PATENTED.
- According to the accession file, the machine was purchased secondhand in about 1938 for use in the Partello construction business. It was used until the owners retired in 1960.
- Reference:
- J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 536.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1923
- maker
- Dalton Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1988.3122.01
- nonaccession number
- 1988.3122
- maker number
- 124864
- catalog number
- 1988.3122.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Self-Teaching Flash Cards No. 2135 Addition
- Description
- Each of these one hundred paper cards shows the sum to two integers between 0 to 9, written in a vertical column. The total is given on one side of the card but not the other. Cards are notched at one bottom corner to make them easier to sort.
- The cards are stored in a dark brown paper box, with instructions for use given on the lid. A label there reads: SELF-TEACHING (/) Flash Cards (/) No. 2135 (/) ADDITION (/) By GARRY CLEVELAND MYERS, Ph.D. (/) Cleveland School of Education.
- The cards were designed by Garry Cleveland Myers of the Cleveland School of Education and published by The Harter Publishing Co. of Cleveland, Ohio. They sold for $1.00. Myers received his PhD. from Columbia University in 1913. He was at the Cleveland School of Education from 1920 to 1927. The Harter Publishing Company was in business in Cleveland from at least 1927 until at least 1938.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca. 1927
- maker
- Harter Publishing Company
- ID Number
- 2014.0293.05
- catalog number
- 2014.0293.05
- accession number
- 2014.0293
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Dalton Extra Special Adding Machine
- Description
- This ten-key printing manually operated adding machine has an black aluminum frame with a steel keyboard painted green. The white plastic digit keys are arranged in two rows and marked with digits and their complements (complements are in red). The three red function keys are makred repeat, total, and correction. The metal crank with handle is on the right side. The color-coded place indicator is above the keyboard. One may enter numbers up to nine digits long and print up to nine digit results. The printing mechanism, which held a two-colored ribbon, is on the top of the machine. The “four-inch” carriage has a paper tape dispenser behind it, but no paper tape. Above the platen is a serrated edge for tearing the paper tape. The machine has four rubber feet.
- A mark on the front reads: Dalton (/) ADDING, (/) LISTING AND (/) CALCULATING MACHINE. Another mark there reads: STOCKWELL & BINNEY. A brass tag attached at the bottom front reads: Dalton (/) ADDING (/) MACHINE (/) CO. (/) REG. U.S. OFF. It also reads: PAT. SEPT. 24, 1912 NO. 1039130 (/) PAT. DEC. 31, 1912 NO. 1049057 (/) PAT. DEC. 31, 1912 NO. 1049093 (/) OTHER PATENTS ISSUED AND PENDING (/) CINCINNATI,OHIO(EAST NORWOOD). A metal tag attached at the bottom on the back gives the serial number: NO 73430.
- The machine was transferred to the Smithsonian collections from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Table Mountain, California. Stockwell & Binney is the name of a California chain of stationery stores.
- Compare to MA.335299 (that machine lacks a place indicator).
- Reference:
- J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 536.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1920
- maker
- Dalton Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- MA.323329
- accession number
- 251557
- maker number
- 73430
- catalog number
- 323329
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Dalton Adding Machine
- Description
- This ten-key printing manually operated adding machine is in a gray steel case. It has ten white plastic number keys in two rows. These keys have complementary numbers for subtraction, and eight brown plastic function keys. The NON (/) ADD and MULTI-(/)PLY keys are left of the number keys, the BACK (/) SPACE and SUB-(/)TRACT keys are right of the number keys. There are TOTAL, RELEASE, and SUB (/) TOTAL keys on the upper right, and a correction bar on the left. There is a NON (/) PRINT key next to the black ribbon.
- A place indicator is above the number keys. Above and behind this are the ribbon, 4” carriage, and paper tape holder. There is no paper tape, but there is a serrated edge for tearing the paper tape. The Dalton mark on the back has been painted over. A metal crank with wooden handle is on the right side.
- The serial number given under the crank is: NO 174012. A label applied to the front and back of the machine reads: Eastern Typewriter Co. Office & School Supplies 109-111 W. Barnes St. Wilson N.C. Phone 4504.
- According to a note in the divisional accession file, the object was salvaged from a garage in Fremont, N.C., about 1968.
- Compare to MA.336932 and MA.333874.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1926
- maker
- Dalton Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- MA.334402
- accession number
- 314559
- maker number
- 174012
- catalog number
- 334402
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Scofield-Thacher Engineer's Slide Rule
- Description
- This 22-inch, two-sided wooden slide rule has scales that are printed on paper but not engine-divided. On the front of the base, logarithmic scales are labeled B and C on the left and D and D on the right. The C scale is the inverse of the B scale and is also labeled RECIPROCALS. The first D scale runs from 1 to 3.16, and the second D scale runs from 3.16 to 10. These scales are labeled ROOTS.
- Four identical scales are on the slide, all logarithmically divided from 1 to 10 and labeled A. Two of the scales are at the left end of the slide, and two are at the right end of the slide. These scales are also identical to the B scale. Written in pencil on the back of the slide and underneath the slide is the number 1103. The bottom of the base is marked: Patented July 2, 1901.
- The back of the base has scales divided logarithmically from 1 to 10 and from 3.16 to 10 to 3.16. These scales are both labeled F at both ends. The slide also has scales divided logarithmically from 1 to 10 and from 3.16 to 10 to 3.16. These scales are both labeled E at both ends. Faded red numbers from 1 to 4 also appear on all four scales. Written in pencil on the back of the slide and underneath the slide is: 1102. The bottom of the base is marked: Patented July 2, 1901.
- The top edge of the rule is marked: THE ENGINEERS (/) SLIDE RULE. It is also marked: From E. M. Scofield, Bridge Engineer. (/) Sta. A, – Youngstown, – Ohio. (/) Rule sent prepaid on receipt of price. (/) Factory, – Youngstown, Ohio. The paper pasted on this edge also has the formula ex/f, a description of how to solve this formula with the instrument, and tables of equivalents. The bottom edge of the rule gives seventeen more formulas and instructions. It is marked: DIRECTIONS FOR SCALES A • B • C & D (/) FOR "Op." READ "OPPOSITE" (/) FOR "—" READ "ON SCALE" (/) FOR "Ans." READ "FIND ANSWER" (/) FOR LAST SIX PROBLEMS REVERSE SLIDE.
- Edson Mason Scofield (1867–1939) developed this rule in 1891 while he worked for Edwin Thacher (inventor of the cylindrical slide rule bearing his name; see, for example, MA.312866). Thacher applied for a patent on the design in 1900 and assigned a half-interest to Scofield when the patent was issued in 1901. According to the instrument, Scofield may have distributed the rule himself.
- It was also sold by Eugene Dietzgen Company of Chicago from about 1901 through at least 1931. The price for model 1787 ranged from $5.00 to $7.00. By 1926 Dietzgen marked the rule with its company name. Meanwhile, Scofield went on to become president and chief engineer of the National Bridge Company of Pittsburgh in 1901. From 1903 he and his brother, Glenn M. Scofield, operated the Scofield Engineering Company in Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles. This example belonged to Robert A. Cummings, a civil engineer who was the father of the donor. Compare to MA.333710.
- References: Edwin Thacher, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 677,817 issued July 2, 1901); Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 7th ed. (Chicago, 1904), 173; Catalog of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 12th ed. (Chicago, 1926), 177; Conrad Schure, "The Scofield-Thacher Slide Rule," Journal of the Oughtred Society 3, no. 1 (1994): 20–25; Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 161.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1901-1926
- maker
- Scofield, E. M.
- ID Number
- MA.325990
- catalog number
- 325990
- accession number
- 258733
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Dalton Model 181-4 Adding Machine
- Description
- This ten-key printing manual adding machine has a brown case and two rows of white plastic keys with digits and complementary numbers for subtraction. Multiply and non-add keys are on the left, and backspace and subtract keys on the right. The place indicator is above the keyboard, with a metal correction key to the left of it. Above and to the right are release, total, and subtotal keys. The printing mechanism and narrow carriage are toward the back; the ribbon prints in both red and black. In addition to entries and totals, the machine prints symbols that indicate totals and subtotals. The non-print key is next to the ribbon. A 2-1/2” paper tape is in place. A serrated edge above the platen is used to tear the paper tape. The metal crank with wooden handle is on the right. The handle is covered with a brown cracking substance. There are four rubber feet. The machine accepts entries of up to eight digits and prints results of up to eight digits.
- The machine is marked on the front: Dalton (/) CINCINNATI, OHIO. (/) U.S.A. It is marked below the crank with the serial number: NO209439. It is marked on the place indicator with the model number: 181. It is marked on the inside of the cover: 9-7-64.
- This closely resembles the Model 181-4 machine described in The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, ca. 1928, Sec 3-1, pp. 14, 19. This was the “Special $100 Machine.”
- Compare to MA.336932 and MA.334402.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1928
- maker
- Dalton Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1990.0316.03
- accession number
- 1990.0316
- maker number
- 209439
- catalog number
- 333874
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Dalton Model 181-4 Adding Machine
- Description
- This gray-green manually operated ten-key printing adding machine has two rows of white plastic number keys, including complementary numbers for subtraction. There are multiply and non-add keys on the left, and backspace and subtract keys on the right.
- The multiply key acts like a repeat key - multiplication is strictly by repeated addition. The place indicator is above the keyboard, with a metal correction key to the left of it. Above and to the right are release, total, and subtotal keys. The printing mechanism and “4”” carriage are toward the back. The ribbon is black. The non-print key is next to the ribbon.
- There is a place for a 2-1/2” paper tape, but no paper tape. Above the platen is a serrated edge to tear the paper. A zero value appears before a total. The metal crank with wooden handle is on the right. There are metal feet, but no evidence of any rubber padding.
- The machine is marked on the front: Dalton (/) ADDING, (/) LISTING AND (/) CALCULATING MACHINE. The serial number below the crank is: NO170913.
- This example came to the Smithsonian from Immaculata School in Washington, D. C.
- Compare to MA.333874 and MA.333402.
- This closely resembles the Model 181-4 machine described in The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, about. 1928, Sec 3-1, p. 14, 19. This was the “Special $100 Machine.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1925
- maker
- Dalton Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1978.2479.04
- maker number
- 170913
- accession number
- 1978.2479
- catalog number
- 336932
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
National Cash Register, Model 1852-E
- Description
- This large cash register has a wood and metal exterior painted black, and five columns of keys. The keys in the leftmost column indicate the type of transaction. Right of these keys are four columns of 9 keys, the leftmost for $90 down to $10, the next for $9 to $1, the next for 90 cents to 10 cents, and the last for 9 cents to 1 cent. Hence the machine can have purchases entered of up to $99.99. It is a National model 1852-E, made by National Cash Register Company of Dayton, Ohio. It has serial number 2925055 and dates from 1929.
- The paper tape for dispensing receipts is on the left. Above the keys are indicators showing the type of transaction and the amount. A wide cash drawer is at the bottom of the machine. The machine is electrically operated, but there is a place for an operating crank on the right side.
- According to the donor, the register was used at Mosely's Jewelry Store on U Street in Washington, D.C. It has an indentation from a 32-caliber bullet, produced in one of the many times the store was robbed. The base price for this machine new was $350.00 in 1927.
- References:
- Equipment Research Corporation, Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, vol. 1, section 10–1, p. 18.
- Accession file.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1929
- maker
- National Cash Register Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0899.01
- catalog number
- 1986.0899.01
- accession number
- 1986.0899
- maker number
- 2925055
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Dalton Super Model Adding Machine
- Description
- This ten-key printing manual adding machine has a steel frame painted black and ten white plastic number keys in two rows. Complementary red digits on the number keys are for subtraction. Right of the number keys are non-add and multiply keys. To the left are a tabulating key (used for automatic carriage shifting in double column work), a subtract key,and a back space key. Above the keyboard is a place indicator for up to 13 places. Left of this is a correction bar to clear entries. Total, subtotal, and release keys are mounted above and to the right. One lever that may be set on “HAND” or “MOTOR”, another for split or normal addition.
- A silver-colored metal window is above the keyboard, with printing mechanism and non-print key behind. The red and black ribbon moves in front of the 9” carriage. This carriage has a bell on the left side. The paper tape holder and paper tape are behind the carriage. The metal handle is on the right. It has a wooden knob once covered with plastic. Metal clips placed in the back of the carriage set the tab stops. One clip has detached from the carriage. Printing is either single or double-spaced.
- The machine is marked on the front: DALTON (/) CINCINNATI, OHIO. (/) U.S.A. It is marked on the carriage: Dalton (/) ADDING, (/) LISTING AND (/) CALCULATING MACHINE. The serial number, on a tag on the right side under the handle, is: 2-102212.
- Reference:
- J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 40, 536.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1921
- maker
- Dalton Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0977.01
- maker number
- 2-102212
- accession number
- 1986.0977
- catalog number
- 1986.0977.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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