Warren Experimental Calculating Machine
date: label: date made
content: 1872
notes: label: Description
content: This experimental model is one of the first, if not the first , calculating machine built in the United States. It was made by Frederick Parsons Warren (1839-1875) of Three Oaks, Michigan, in 1872.
label: Description
content: The metal machine has a row of 11 result dials that slide along the back. Each dial has a strip of paper numbered from 0 to 9 twice around the rim. Between the dials are spiral gears, which were to be part of the carry mechanism. In front of the dials and gears is a row of seven gear segments. In front of and linked to these are seven additional gear segments. A lever that extends to the front of the machine can be placed in any tooth of one of these forward segments. At the top of the machine is a tilted disc that has four toggles protruding from it.
label: Description
content: There are no maker’s marks.
label: Description
content: Compare MA.311938 and MA.311939.
label: Description
content: According to L. Leland Locke, Warren was a teacher, itinerant photographer, and then watchmaker by trade. His invention was inspired by his reading about Charles Babbage’s difference engine in 1864. He designed his machines to demonstrate what might be done with machinery, not for sale.
label: Description
content: Reference:
label: Description
content: L. Leland Locke, “The Warren Calculating Engine,” <I>Business Equipment Topics</I>, October, 1931, vol. 79, p. 8, 9. 48, 49.
label: Location
content: Currently not on view
place: label: place made
content: United States: Michigan, Three Oaks
topic: label: Subject
content: Mathematics
setName: label: See more items in
content: Medicine and Science: Mathematics
label: See more items in
content: Calculating Machines
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content: Science & Mathematics
creditLine: label: Credit Line
content: Gift of L. Leland Locke
dataSource: label: Data Source
content: National Museum of American History
identifier: label: ID Number
content: MA.311938
label: catalog number
content: 311938
label: accession number
content: 155183
objectType: label: Object Name
content: calculating machine
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: paper (overall material)
label: Physical Description
content: brass (overall material)
label: Physical Description
content: ferrous metal (overall material)
label: Measurements
content: overall: 12.5 cm x 28.5 cm x 19.2 cm; 4 29/32 in x 11 7/32 in x 7 9/16 in