Adding Machine

Blaise Pascal, an eighteen-year-old French man, invented this machine in 1642. He was an accomplished mathematician, physicist, and philosopher. Over the course of ten years, Pascal made a number of improvements and changes to the device. He built fifty machines in total.

Originally called the Pascaline, the adding machine had eight metal wheel dials that were turned to the wanted number with a stylus. These wheels were in a polished brass box and the box was small enough to carry. It would add a number containing up to eight figures. The machine could add pence, shilling, and pounds.

This machine has been made smaller and is easier to use. The new device has different functions and can add more figures. The new models have fraction and ratio functions. The sides are encased in plastic and run on solar and battery powers.