Excerpt from Encyclopaedia of Accounting, Vol. 2: Calculating Machines to Farm Bookkeeping
Calculating machines had been devised by Pascal (1642) and Leibnitz but the first really important machine of the kind is that invented by Charles Babbage. He himself called it a difference engine, because it was intended to calculate tables of numbers by method of differences. It was not intended to work out sums, but to calculate numerical tables such as logarithms - the processes employed being those of successive additions or subtractions. The mechanism entirely consisted of wheel gearing, and it was actuated by a handle. Later he designed a new machine - the analytical engine - which was intended to supersede the first, and was designed to solve problems at the direction of the operator. For this machine, however, the designs were not complete at his death, nor did he leave any working drawings. The machine, however, was one of much wider powers than' those of the arithmometer, which resembles Babbage's machines in some respects. This instrument, as well as the Slide rule, deals only with arithmetical numbers: the slide rule multiplies and divides correctly, but does not add or subtract; the arithmometer adds and subtracts, but multiplies and divides only indirectly. Quite lately very ingenious machines have been devised and perfected which not only add and subtract arithmetical numbers, but also are able to add and subtract money columns. The useful application of such a machine cannot well be overrated. The carrying of farthings, pence, and shillings is automatically done, while the operator has extremely simple adjustments and motions to make. In some of these machines, during an addition, the total is shown in dials at each instant; in others the sums added are type written, and the total only taken and written at the end of the whole Operation. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works."synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book is a fascinating journey through the evolution of calculating machines, exploring how ingenious minds throughout history sought to simplify and expedite the process of computation. From the rudimentary "Napier's Bones" of the 17th century to the advanced adding machines of the author's time, the book traces the development of these instruments and their impact on various fields. The author delves into the intricate mechanics and functionalities of these machines, providing a detailed analysis of their principles of operation. From the logarithmic scales of the slide rule to the intricate gear systems of the arithmometer, the book unveils the ingenuity and complexity that underpin these seemingly simple tools. The book further examines the applications of these machines in different sectors, highlighting their significance in fields like engineering, accounting, and statistics. It explores how these machines helped to revolutionize business practices and scientific research, offering insights into the profound impact of technological advancements on human endeavor. The book's comprehensive exploration of calculating machines provides a valuable historical perspective on the development of these essential tools, showcasing the remarkable ingenuity of inventors and the profound impact these inventions had on shaping the modern world. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9780366390540_0
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