A rectangular wooden box with a lockable lid opens to reveal a brass panel with a number of dials and sliding pegs. In the lower left corner is a small removable wood and glass panel, underneath which is an empty storage space. There are a number of recessed displays showing number values, 16 on the top row, 9 on the lower row. There are 8 graduated slots with movable brass pegs.
Accession Number: 2017.lej.56
Alternative Name: Arithmomètre
Primary Materials: Wood, Brass
“Arithmometre” is written on top of the box. On the inside of the top of the box is a small brass plaque, containing the writing: “Tim and Unitas Calculating Machines George Spicer Marketplace, Brentford Phone Ealing 2020.”
On the inside panel, etched into the brass surface, is “Prudential Assurance Company, Ltd.”
Lower on the panel, next to the sliding pegs, adjacent to a control device, are the words “Add on et Mult on” (adjacent to the ‘up’ position of the control device), and “Soust on et Divis on” (adjacent to the ‘down’ position of the control device).
Just below the above writing is a company maker’s mark, which says “THOMAS de Colmar, INVENTEUR 44 RUE DE CHATEAUDUN 44 Paris No. 1373 EXPOSITION, 16 RUE DE LA TOUR DES DAMES”
There is a number written, apparently by hand, on the inside of the lid: “9.499”03
Dimensions (cm): 59cm x 18 x 9.5
The machine is a mechanical calculator that can be used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as more complex operations.
The device displays multiple scratches, especially on the surface of the box. There’s a crack in the piece of glass on the inside lower left corner. There are a number of markings in black ink. The brass parts are faded and, in places, corroded. There some oxidation on the metal surfaces on the instruments.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer: Thomas de Colmar, Paris
Date of Manufacture: Late 19th or early 20th c.
This artifact was acquired from Professor Trevor Levere (1944 to 2022) of the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IHPST), likely in January of 2011.
Professor Levere received it from the estate of Professor Stillman Drake (1910 to 1993). Drake had been recruited to the University of Toronto in 1967 as a full professor. He led the IHPST, which was founded that year.
Additional Information and References:
Historical Notes:
- Donated to UTSIC