A READY-RECKONING MACHINE
Year: 1847

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPH
JEAN BARANOWSKI, of No. 3, Rue Neuve Clichy, Paris, Gentleman, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Nineteenth day of July, in the eleventh year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Joseph Jean Baranowski, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege
and authority, that I, the said Joseph Jean Baranowski, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, and such others as I, the said Joseph Jean
Baranowski, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term
of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my
Invention of "A READY-RECKONING MACHINE;" in which said Letters Patent
is contained a proviso obliging me, the said Joseph Jean Baranowski, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, particularly to describe and
ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, and to cause the same to be inrolled in Her Majesty's High
Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Joseph Jean Baranowski, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention,

page_text: and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference being
bad to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say):-
My Invention of "A Ready-reckoning Machine" has reference to certain
apparatus and arrangements for ascertaining with facility the results of calcu-
lations or reckonings required to be made in various commercial and other
establishments in which similar results have frequently or from time to time
to be determined, such, for instance, as the charge for the conveyance of
different loads, various distances at a given rate, or the assessment of govern-
ment taxes at a given per-centage, or reckonings of interest, or foreign money
exchanges, or amounts of wages, or other like purposes wherein readiness and
accuracy are essential, and wherein the result to be obtained is capable of being
ascertained from sums or numbers previously calculated, and arranged in
a tabular frame.
The object of my Invention is thus to facilitate the use of commercial
tables or "ready reckoners" by adapting thereto apparatus and arrangements
so constituted as to render the operation of calculating therewith mechanically
certain, in place of being as now comparatively uncertain and liable to error.
And this accuracy and freedom from uncertainty and error is principally
insured in practice by exhibiting to the operator by simple mechanical
means those sums or numbers only which are necessary to or form part of
the required result.
Such being generally the object in view, I would premise, for the purpose
for the purpose of presenting as clearly as I am able the principles upon
which my Invention depends, that in all calculations certain numbers must be
given or known, from or by means of which certain other numbers are to be
found or ascertained, thus, for example, the multiplicand and multiplier, or the
dividend and the divisor, being given, the product or quotient respectively are
to be ascertained, and any two of the numbers, multiplicand, multiplier, and
product, or dividend, divisor, and quotient, being given, the third may be
found or ascertained by well-known processes of arithmetic. Now these
numbers may be arranged in tables, and tables so arranged constitute what
are known by the names of commercial tables, ready reckoners, or by other
similar names; and the use of such tables, as well as the liability to error in
their use, are well known.
"
My Invention of "A Ready-reckoning Machine consists of a commercial
table or ready reckoner, containing the various results previously calculated
and arranged consecutively in units, tens, hundreds, et cetera, (as well as in

page_text: fractional parts, when desired,) of suitable apparatus for bring the numbers of
such table into view of a face plate, with openings formed in it to admit of any
portion of such commercial table or ready reckoner being seen when required;
and, lastly, of a number of accurately fitted slides, any number of which can
be withdrawn for the purpose of exhibiting the numbers constituting the
required result, the other numbers not required for the result to be ascertained
being concealed from view. The slides and the face plate are so adapted and
arranged that the operator may readily see from the front of the machine
which slide to withdraw in order to disclose any required result. The opera-
tion of the machine then consists in the display of the particular result
required on the withdrawal of the proper slide by the operator when such
result is to be exhibited by a single number or sum on the tabulated surface;
.but when the result is to be exhibited by or consists of two or more numbers,
then two or more proper slides have to be withdrawn, by which the two or
more numbers are displayed, which being added together give the final result.
And the same principle is to be followed to any extent required, the machine
being, of course, adapted to the particular kind of tabulated surface to be used
with it. Thus the ascertainment of the result by means of the machine
becomes reduced to the simple operation of exhibiting to view the number
constituting the result required, or the numbers to be added together for such
result, with the greatest facility.
And in order that the mode of carrying my Invention into effect may be
fully understood, I will proceed now to describe the accompanying Drawings,
which exhibit my ready reckoning machine as adapted and applied to various
purposes.
The first application I shall describe is for the purpose of ascertaining the
charge for the carriage of a quantity of coals different distances, the machine
or instrument being supposed to be adapted to the principle existing stations
on the London and South-Western Railway.
Figure 1 is a front view of the machine; Figure 2, a vertical section of the
same taken transversely; Figure 3 represents the slides and face plate of the
machine (which I prefer to be of metal) as they would appear when viewed
from the inside; and Figure 4 is a horizontal section of the face plate and slides.
In all these Figures similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
a, a, is the box or case of the machine, in which is fixed the face plate b; this
plate, it will be seen, has a long slot formed in it, through which a portion of the
slides c, c, may be seen; and when the slides are withdrawn the previously calcu-
lated results, engraved or marked upon the tabulated surface behind them, are

page_text: exhibited to view. The face plate has also an opening or slot through which
may be seen the multiplicand or constant number or sum to be operated upon,
which, in the present instance, shews the rate of charge per ton for conveying
coals from London to Kingston, and likewise another opening or slot at the
lower part shewing the name of the station. It is manifest that any suitable
information may in this manner be displayed for the guidance of the
operator. The slides c, c, are made to work readily between guides at the
back of the face plate b, and correspond in number and arrangement with
the results on the tabulated surface placed behind them. Each slide has
attached to it a stud or button e, the stem of which protrudes through a slot
in the face plate, with a collar working against that plate. The stud is fixed
in its place by a nut or collar in the back of the slide c. This will be seen most
clearly on reference to the detached Figure 5, which is a representation in
vertical section on an enlarged scale of a few of the slides c and a portion of the
face plate b. These slides c, c, are fitted as shewn (see Figure 3), one over
the other, with their edges coming together, and are retained in their
horizontal position by the stem of the stud or button e at one end, and by
resting against the edges of the slide above and below, the two outside slides
and two intermediate ones being supported by having a slot formed upon them
through which a pin or screw is passed into the fixed guide f. g is another
fixed guide extending like the guide f across the whole number of the slides c.
It will be observed, on reference to Figure 1, that each stud or button e has a
figure upon it, and that the whole of such studs are buttons are arranged in
columns of units, tens, hundreds, et cetera, and fractions of units (hundred-
weights in this case), the numbers indicated by such studs being the multipliers
for the product to be exhibited to view on the tabulated surface h. By this
arrangement the operator can disclose any result he pleases by the withdrawal
of the slide which conceals it from view, such operation being entirely mc-
chanical, except so far as regards attention to the figures and quantities seen
on the front of the machine. The extent of the slides race is controlled by
the slots i, i, through which the stems of the studs or buttons e, e, are passed.
k, k, (Figure 3,) are two pieces of cloth, colored red for the sake of distinction)
fixed on the face plate 6 in order to give ease to the motion of the slides c in
their passage to and fro, and to prevent friction between them and the plate b.
The tabulated surface h consists of a roller of fourteen sides, on which are
fixed thirteen cards, one for each station. On each single card are marked the
products of the multipliers in units, tens, hundreds, et cetera; (as well as in
fractions of tons, (viz.) hundredweights,) into the multiplicand, which in the

page_text: present instance (as shewn in Figure 1) is the rate of charge per ton for the
conveyance of coals from London to Kingston. In the Drawing, Figure 2,
the Figures are shewn on the cards sufficient to exemplify the mode in which
they are arranged. The tabulated surface or roller h is mounted in bearings
at i, from which it may be easily removed so as to allow of a change of
tabulated results being placed behind the slides. At m is a dial applied, to
which is an index n. This dial is divided out into spaces corresponding with
the number of stations, and one blank space is left, as shewn at Figure 1, in
order to point out through the index n when the machine is at rest. The
index n forms a handle, and is fitted into the square end of the axis o, by
which means, on turning the said index handle, motion is communicated to
the axis, and through it to the tabulated surface or roller h by the wheels
r is a ratchet or star wheel on the axis o, with a number of teeth
corresponding with the number of divisions on the dial m and roller h, so that
when the index handle n is turned from one division of the dial to another,
the index is made to point to the name of the station on the dial, and the card
containing the tabulated results referring to the said station is brought into
its proper position behind the slides c. The regulation of these movements is
effected by the spring pall or click s dropping into the tooth of the wheel r,
and retaining it, thereby preventing both the roller h and index n from pro-
ceeding beyond its assigned place.
P. 7.
Now, in order to render the operation of the machine evident, I have shewn
in the Drawing, Figures 1 and 3, the position of the buttons or studs e and
the slides c, when the charge for the conveyance of six hundred and forty-two
tons of coal from London to Kingston is to be ascertained. It will thus be
seen that the studs or buttons numbered 6 in the column of hundreds,
Number 4 in the columns of tens, and Number 2 in the column of units, have
been moved along to the reverse ends of their slots in the face plate b,
through which their stems pass. It will also be seen, on reference to Figure 3,
that the slides c, to which the said studs or buttons are affixed, have been
moved so that the spaces formed in them come opposite the long slot in the
face plate b, and thus the figures on the card behind are allowed to be seen,
as is represented at Figure 1. Thus all that has now to be done is to add
together the three products shewn, and the total result is given.
Having thus described one arrangement of my Invention as it might be
specially adapted to the existing stations on the London and South-Western
Railway, it will be obvious that the names of the stations may be wholly
omitted, all that is required to be brought to view being the multiplicand

page_text: and the products. Hence, instead of the names of places being exhibited at
the top and engraved around the dial plate, the sums of money constituting the
multiplicand only will be necessary. Thus, suppose any quantity of materials
is to be sent between two particular stations, the attendant will look to the
charge per ton or other measure that may be adopted for that distance, the
number indicating that charge will be brought up to view, and the slides
being moved according to the number of tons, the total charge will be exhi
bited to view, as already described. Furthermore, the above arrangement of
a ready-reckoning machine is adapted for ascertaining the total amount of any
transaction whereof the multiplicand consists of one of the sums of money on
the table at the head of the columns of products, and the multiplier is expressed
in units, tens, and hundreds, and up to one thousand inclusive; and it is
obvious that the extent of such ready reckoning machine may be increased at
pleasure. It is also to be observed, that the numbers to be exhibited may be
dividends, divisors, and quotients, instead of multiplicands, multipliers and
products, and that the arrangements above described. may be applied to such
purposes, or to a table properly constructed, in which the multiplicands are
quantities of goods, and the multipliers varying rates of money, the slides being
arranged according to pounds, shillings, and pence, instead of units, tens, and
hundreds of tons, as in the present case. The modifications of the apparatus
described above are numerous. For instance, instead of a card or series of
cards or tabulated surfaces fixed on a roller. mounted as shewn and described,
a more simple form might be adopted, if preferred, consisting merely of a
flat card placed in the machine behind the slides, as shewn at Figure 6. In
such case it would be necessary to insert a fresh card for each station or mul-
tiplicand or dividend, as already described, It will also be evident that any
cards or tabulated surfaces whereon the results tabulated are in the relation of
multiplicand, multiplier, and product, or dividend, divisor, and quotient, so that
the same may be conveniently and accurately read on the withdrawal of the
slides, may be adapted to and employed in my ready-reckoning machine.
.
At Figure 7 is represented in front or face view another arrangement and
application of my ready-reckoning machine, which is intended to be employed
for reckoning workmen's wages. In this instance the number or factor which
has been called the multiplicand is placed upon the dial M, and indicates the
rate of wages per day, and the number or factor, which has been called the
multiplier is contained in the series of numbers of days, weeks, and hours
Hence it will be
shewn on the buttons of the slides c and the face plate b.
evident that, in order to operate with this machine, the index handle n must

page_text: be turned to the given rate of wages per day, by which operation the corre-
sponding tabulated surface will be brought behind the slides c, and the required
result disclosed in the same manner as above described. The mechanism for
producing these movements in this machine being the same as that already
described, needs no further mention here. It will be observed, that in the
present instance there are two dials instead of only one, and that the slides c
are elongated, in order to be worked, as just described, in connection with
either dial. The object of this arrangement is to increase the number of
multiplicands capable of being operated upon in the same machine without
inconveniently increasing the diameter of the roller containing the tabulated
surfaces.
Figure 8 represents a front or face view of another arrangement and appli-
cation of my ready-reckoning machine, which is intended to be employed by
reckoning foreign exchanges, the exchange of London upon Paris being ex-
hibited in the Figure as an example. In this case the number or factor which
has been called the multiplicand is marked on the dial, and indicates the course of
exchange of London upon Paris in all its presumable variations, from the rate
of twenty-five francs up to that of twenty-six francs in amounts of two and
a half centimes each; and the number or factor which has been called the
multiplier is contained in the series of numbers in units, tens, et cetera, of
pounds, shillings, and pence shewn on the buttons of the slides c and face
plate b. and intended to represent the sums to be exchanged. In order to
operate with this machine, the index handle n has to be turned to the given
rate of exchange marked on the dial, and the required result may then be
ascertained by withdrawing the proper slides, as above described.
With a
view, however, of rendering the use of this machine for its purpose the more
evident, I have shewn, as an example, the mode in which the machine would
indicate the exchange of two thousand six hundred and forty-five pounds
twelve shillings and three-pence upon Paris, at the exchange of twenty-five
francs forty-seven and a half centimes for one pound sterling. In order to
effect this operation or reckoning it is only necessary, in the first place, to
point the index n to that rate of exchange, (that is to say,) to place it upon
that division in the dial which indicates 25.47. The table relating thereto,
with all the results of the exchange calculated beforehand for the whole scale of
the machine by units, tens, et cetera, of pounds, shillings, and pence, is by
such operation placed simultaneously behind the slides c, so that it only
remains to push the several buttons e, e, representing together the aforesaid
sum of two thousand six hundred and forty-five pounds twelve shillings and

page_text: The
Which separate items, added together, produce the general result, which
amounts to the sum of sixty-seven thousand three hundred and ninety-six
francs ninety-seven centimes and eight hundred and forty-four milliemes,
équal to that which would be obtained by multiplying together by the usual
process two thousand six hundred and forty-five pounds twelve shillings and
threepence and twenty-five francs forty-seven and a half centimes.
mechanism for producing the said movements in this machine may be similar
to that already described, the diameter of the roller containing the tabulated
surfaces-being suitably increased in order to include the greater number of
tables upon it. The machine represented in front or face view at Figure 8 is
not, however, of suitable form to admit of its being worked by mechanism such
as that described, with a roller of increased diameter; but it may be worked
by employing, instead thereof a fabric wound upon or passing over suitably
adjusted rollers, such fabric carrying the several previously-calculated tables,
and by the aid of suitable gearing driven by the index handle n being made to
present the required table behind the slides c. This carrying fabric might be
arranged so as to be wound and unwound upon the rollers; or it might be
formed as an endless fabric passing or travelling over the rollers; but the
latter I prefer, as it would obviate the necessity for springs to the rollers. By
this arrangement. it will be evident that an increased number of tables may
be used by simply increasing the depth of the machine so as to afford adequate
space for an increased length of the carrying fabric. The adaptation of the
gearing so as to cause the carrying fabric to pass or travel over a greater space
than the index handle n is necessary in this arrangement of machine; but
this is so well understood by all persons acquainted with clockwork and such-
like mechanism as to require no particular description.

page_text: Figure 9 is a front or face view of a ready-reckoning machine intended to
be employed for reckoning interest on different sums of money, the number
or factor answering to that which has been called the multiplicand, including
in this instance both the rate per cent. and also the time of interest, and the
number or factor which has been called the multiplier being contained in the
units, tens, et cetera, of pounds, shillings, and pence on the buttons e and face
plate b. This machine is applicable for calculations or reckonings of interest
from one, two, three, four, five, six, et cetera, per cent., or with as many sub-
divisions of rates as may be desired, and for such or such number of days to
run or days of interest. In order to make use of this machine, it is sufficient
to prepare beforehand the tables comprising the results of all these different
rates of interest, calculated always for the whole extent or range of the
machine, by units, tens, hundreds, thousands, et cetera; to print or mark these
tables upon paper or other substance, so as to adapt them to the mechanism
employed; and to have the machines furnished with dials indicating as many
days as may be desired. For instance, the dials from one to thirty days, from
thirty-one to sixty days, and from sixty-one to ninety days, as represented at
Figure 9, and so on successively and inclusively. The results classified in a
tabular form corresponding to such or such number of days and according to the
given rate of interest, it is only necessary to place the index n upon the divi-
sion of the dial indicating the given number of days, in order to place simul-
taneously behind the slides the table relating thereto; and so soon as it is
thus placed, the only remaining operation to perform is to push the several
buttons e, representing the principal of which the interest is required to be
ascertained, in order to cause all the results sought for immediately to appear
always series by series, videlicet, by units, tens, hundreds, thousands, et cetera.
These respective items added together form the result required.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, and having pointed out some of the
many various useful purposes to which such an apparatus may be applied, I
would have it understood that I do not confine and limit myself to such
forms and applications, inasmuch as the same will vary according to the kind
of table employed and result to be indicated; and I also would have it under-
stood that I do not claim as of my Invention, or the exclusive use of the slides
and face plate represented and described, except when such slides and face
plate are used in combination with a commercial table or "ready reckoner " for
the
purposes of my said Invention; but what I claim as the Invention intended
to be secured to me by the above in part recited Letters Patent is "A Ready-
reckoning Machine," constructed and arranged so that commercial tables or

page_text: ready reckoners may be used and read for the purposes for which they are
intended, by bringing into view, by a simple mechanical operation, such of the
symbols or numbers only as are necessary for or form part of the particular
calculation or result to be ascertained, the rest of the numbers on the table
being at the same time concealed from view.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Jean Baranowski, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Seventeenth day of January, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.
LAN (L.S.)
DANANOWSKI.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Seventeeth day of January, in the
eleventh year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, the said Joseph Jean
Baranowski came before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknow-
ledged the Instrument aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained
and specified, in form above written. And also the Instrument aforesaid
was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made in the fifty-fifth year
of the reign of His late Majesty King George the Third.
Inrolled the Seventeenth day of January, One thousand eight hundred and
forty-eight.