Object Details
maker
Felt, Dorr E.
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.
Credit Line
Gift of the Heirs of Dorr E. Felt
date made
1884-1885
ID Number
MA.311192
catalog number
311192
accession number
143207
Object Name
adding machine
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
place made
United States: Illinois, Chicago
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
Subject
Mathematics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_690461