A Surprisingly Rich History of Calculators
2025-01-31
This article traces the surprisingly rich history of calculators, from ancient abacuses and counting rods to modern electronic devices. Using a personal collection of antique calculators, the author details the evolution from mechanical marvels like Pascal's adder and Leibniz's multiplier, through slide rules, hand-cranked calculators, and finally, the electronic calculator. The story highlights key technological advancements and limitations at each stage, culminating in the miniaturization and widespread adoption of handheld calculators, even integrated into wristwatches. However, the rise of smartphones ultimately relegated the standalone calculator to a niche product.