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ABACUS—FIRST CALCULATING DEVICE
The first step towards computing was the invention of Abacus
around 3000 years ago, in China. It is a wooden frame with beads
on parallel wires which can do simple calculations like addition
and subtraction. This device is used to calculate numbers at a
fast speed.
Clickipedia Abacus
Abacus is also used in schools as an aid in teaching the numeral system.
PASCALINE ADDING MACHINE
In 1642, a mathematician, Blaise Pascal
invented the calculating machine called
the Pascaline adding machine. The
numbers were fed into the machine by
dialing them on the wheels. This device
is believed to be the first mechanical
calculator of the world. This machine
Pascaline Blaise Pascal
was capable of performing only
addition and subtraction.
LEIBNIZ STEP RECKONER
In 1672, a mathematician, Gottfried Wilhelm
Leibniz invented the digital mechanical
calculator called ‘Step Reckoner’. It was
the first calculator that could perform all
four arithmetic operations i.e., addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division. Leibniz Step Reckoner
CHARLES BABBAGE’S ANALYTICAL ENGINE
In 1822 a mathematician, Charles Babbage developed a
steam driven calculating machine, that was the size of a
room, which he called the Difference Engine. But even
after working on this project for 10 years, this machine
never became a reality.
Charles Babbage
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