Virtual Museum > The early ones > simple adding machines
The ADIX
This is one of the simpler calculator I saw and have in my collection. This device can only add one digit at a time, up to 999. So what was it used for? Mostly for accounting where you have to perform what is called "column adding". Let's say that you have the following numbers to add:
Using the ADIX, you will start to add all the numbers on the right, 4+3+4+2+3 . Then report the tens and perform the same addition with the second column of numbers. It may sound too simple, but when you have pages and pages of numbers to add, it was very useful to own this small device to get your brain some time off.
So here it is :
<picture of my adix>
What I found so attractive in this device is the simplicity, but also the care they had in the package: wooden box with velvet inside. so steampunk !!
It was also one of the first calculator to use a new metal: Aluminum,
<more details about mechanism and manufacturer>
Interesting enough, we can find a patent from 1850 which uses the same idea of simple one digit adding. Here is an extract from it:
Note the very simple idea: the levers are proportional to what they represent, and the small dial at the end will rise depening on which number you press. You can understand that the dial was extremely limited (maybe up to 50). Also, as you may have noticed, the box had to be placed on the edge of the table, so that the dial (or rod) could go down. Not sure if this was ever commercialized in this form.
Using the ADIX, you will start to add all the numbers on the right, 4+3+4+2+3 . Then report the tens and perform the same addition with the second column of numbers. It may sound too simple, but when you have pages and pages of numbers to add, it was very useful to own this small device to get your brain some time off.
So here it is :
<picture of my adix>
What I found so attractive in this device is the simplicity, but also the care they had in the package: wooden box with velvet inside. so steampunk !!
It was also one of the first calculator to use a new metal: Aluminum,
<more details about mechanism and manufacturer>
Interesting enough, we can find a patent from 1850 which uses the same idea of simple one digit adding. Here is an extract from it:
Note the very simple idea: the levers are proportional to what they represent, and the small dial at the end will rise depening on which number you press. You can understand that the dial was extremely limited (maybe up to 50). Also, as you may have noticed, the box had to be placed on the edge of the table, so that the dial (or rod) could go down. Not sure if this was ever commercialized in this form.
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