Archives at Cornell

John W. Suggett collection of calculating devices

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 4717

Scope and content

Calculating devices from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including two circular slide rules, three other slide rules, a set of Fischinger drawing instruments (mainly compasses), and several manual adding machines of various designs, including a Thales calculator. One of the flat (non-circular) slide rules is made by Tavernier-Gravet, maker of mathematical instruments in Paris. Most of the adding machines involve a stylus and a metal panel where the calculating is done; the Thales uses pinwheel gears.

Dates

circa 1892-1911.

Creator

Suggett, John W. (Collector, Person)

Language of Material

Accompanying instruction manuals: in English and German (manual for Thales calculator in Box 4).

Extent

2.6 cubic feet. (2.6 cubic feet.)

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Thales calculator, drawing instruments, and two of the non-circular slide rules are the: Source of acquisition--Heinz B. Biesdorf, Professor Emeritus of Consumer Economics, Cornell University. Method of acquisition--gift of.