Do you know the origin of calculators?
The origin of calculators dates back to ancient times, but throughout history they have undergone a series of important developments that have led to the creation of increasingly advanced and precise devices. Here is a summary of its evolution:
Abacus (around 2000 BC): One of the first calculating devices used by ancient civilizations was the abacus. Although it is not a calculator in the modern sense of the term, it allowed basic calculations to be performed using the balls and the movement of the balls on rods or balls.
Slide rule (17th century): The slide rule was one of the first mechanical calculating devices. It was a ruler with movable scales that was used to perform multiplication and division operations, as well as other mathematical functions. It was widely used for several centuries.
Pascal’s Machine (1642): Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and scientist, invented the first mechanical calculating machine in 1642. Pascal’s machine could perform addition and subtraction automatically and was a milestone in the development of calculators.
Babbage’s Analytical Engine (1833–1871): Charles Babbage, a British mathematician, designed an Analytical Engine that is considered a precursor to modern computers. Although it was never fully built in its time, it contained the essential elements of a programmable mechanical calculator.
Electromechanical Calculators (19th Century–Early 20th Century): In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, electromechanical calculators were developed that used electric motors to perform calculations. Notable examples include the Comptometer calculator and the Monroe calculator.
Electronic Calculators (1960s): With the advancement of electronic technology, compact electronic calculators were developed. The first electronic desktop calculator, the “Anita C/V,” was released in 1961. These calculators were faster and more accurate than previous versions.
Pocket Calculators (1970s): The invention of the integrated circuit allowed for the creation of small, affordable, and portable pocket calculators. Companies like Texas Instruments played a major role in popularizing these calculators.
Scientific and Graphing Calculators (1980s and 1990s): Scientific and graphing calculators have become commonplace in educational and professional settings. These calculators can perform a variety of mathematical operations and graph, making them essential for students and professionals in mathematics and science.
Programmable Calculators and Software Applications (21st Century): With the advent of personal computing, calculators have become even more versatile. Programmable calculators and software applications offer a wide range of mathematical and scientific functions and are available on electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.
In summary, calculators have evolved from simple devices such as the abacus to advanced electronic calculators and software applications common in everyday life and in academic and professional settings. Its development has been driven by technological advances and the need to perform calculations more accurately and efficiently.
