Mathematics
On Display
Ready reckoner giving the value of discounts of 10%, 15% and 20% on quantities between 15 and 36. This was probably a one-off instrument for use in a particular shop or workshop.
Twist & Shout Multiplication' a digital and audio mathematical toy by Leap Frog, a division of Knowledge Kids Enterprises. Complete with packaging, instructions and marked as manufactured in China, c.2000. This toy employs all the latest technology
A single surface glass vessel made by Alan Bennett in Bedford, 1995. It consists of a five-layered sphere, extension of the three Klein bottles above to infinity which when cut gives a pair of single-twist Mobius strips. A Klein bottle is a surface w
Brunsviga calculating machine with lid, no262. c.1892. This barrel calculating machine represents the Brunsviga in its earliest form. Barrel calculating machines were smaller, lighter and easier to operate than Arithmometers. The machine performs mu
Replica made by E. Rognon, Paris of Blaise Pascal's first calculating machine of 1642, held by the Conservatoire National de Art et Metiers, Paris.The original machine was completed in 1642 when Pascal was only 19, to help his father in business. It
Chinese abacus, or suan-pan, 19th century
McFarlane calculating cylinder, c1835. This is a ready reckoner inscribed with tables giving various percentages of various sums of money in sterling.
Set of ivory Napier's bones 18th century, in wooden box. John Napier of Merchiston, invented both logarithms in 614 and his 'bones' in 1617, sets of rods with tables inscribed on them which allow the user to multiply by simply adding figures.
Six inch Brass sector 1720-1753 signed T Heath Fecit, decorated on hinge and legs with floral patterns. Sectors were used from the end of the 16th century until the mid 19th century to perform calculations involving proportion. They were inscribed w
The maths exercise book comprises hundreds of mathematical problems and calculations in the fields of numeration, trigonometry, navigation, astronomy etc. Includes numerous diagrams and several pen and ink drawings of rigged three-masters. Compiled b