On Display
A. Sonnenschein's improved Arithmometer' made by George Philip and Son of London and Liverpool, late 19th century. This device, which showed units, rods of 10s, and squares of 100s, anticipated many 20th century arithmetical teaching aids. Sonnensche
La Multi, prototype of French calculating device based on Napier's bones, seven figures, c. 1920. This is a prototype of an instrument which did not prove successful. Napier's bones, a calculating device invented by John Napier in 1617, allowed the u
Harding's improved counter by Harding, Richardson, Rhodes and Co. Ltd., Leeds. Revolution counters were devised to keep a record of the operation of machinery.
Numeric Demonstrator', an elementary teaching aid patented by Ethel Linay in about 1900.. This elementary arithmetical teaching apparatus consists of ten wooden rods with squared paper pasted on them in order to show multiplication visually.
Stylus-operated Indian currency adder, wooden backboard with handmade varnished card face inscribed 'R.G.W. 24.2.12'. The GEM calculator was originally patented in 1890 as a simple device for the addition of English money. Numbers are added by insert
Japanese soroban or abacus with 13 columns, each with 5 beads below the bar and one above.This represents an intermediate form between the original Chinese abacus and the modern Japanese type. This arrangement was common from the late 19th century u
S & N adding machine by Seidel & Naumann, Dresden, serial no. 2398, in fitted box with stylus and instructions. The Seidel and Naumann adding machines used chain drives and a stylus. The numbers to be added were pulled down to the base bar and then a
Consul' the Educated Monkey. A mathematical toy calculator patented by William Robertson in 1916 and made by the Educational Novelty Company of Dayton, Ohio, USA. When each of the monkey's feet are moved to point at two numbers, the monkey's hands m
Mechanical counting device, c 1900. Devices for counting the revolutions or repetitive actions of machines were developed from the mid 19th century.
`Baby Calculator' stylus adding device by Glenview, Illinois, USA, c. 1960. Like the Exactus, this is one of a number of simple stylus machines introduced in the mid 20th century. It performs multiplication and division by repeated addition and subtr
