The patent granted to William Seward Burroughs for the first successful adding machine represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of calculation devices. This initial device not only allowed for mechanical addition but was also a stepping stone to further advancements in automated computations. Designed in the late 19th century, Burroughs' adding machine catered to the burgeoning industrial economy that necessitated efficient record-keeping and financial management.

Burroughs initiated this project with the goal of creating a device that could perform arithmetic operations more quickly than manual calculations. Prior to this invention, many businesses relied on human clerks for bookkeeping tasks, which were often prone to errors and inefficiencies. The burgeoning commercial needs of the time, driven largely by the expansion of railroads and other industries, made innovation in this area essential for success. Burroughs’ machine was unique for its use of a printing mechanism that provided a written record of the calculations, which was a major advancement over previous devices.

The patent's approval marked the beginning of a new era in mathematics and finance where machines could assist in performing complex calculations. Burroughs' device influenced both the design of future adding machines and the broader category of office machinery, including the development of calculators, cash registers, and, eventually, computers. The industries dependent on precise numeric data began to recognize the value of such inventions, leading to a shift in how businesses managed accounts and operations and illustrating the growing interdependence of technology on economic productivity.