William Seward Burroughs patents adding machine

August 21st, 1888

August 21st, 1888

William Seward Burroughs patents adding machine
How Long Ago?

136 years, 6 months, 22 days ago

Location

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States

Category

Science & Technology

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William Seward Burroughs patents adding machine

William Seward Burroughs received a patent for the first successful adding machine in the United States, marking a significant advancement in the field of calculation technology. The machine was designed to streamline the process of addition, making it easier for businesses and individuals to perform arithmetic operations with increased speed and accuracy. Burroughs, an inventor and businessman, aimed to improve the efficiency of financial calculations, providing a useful tool for accounting and commerce.

Burroughs aimed to improve calculation efficiency.

The machine printed results, enhancing accuracy.

Set the stage for future office automation tools.

Facilitated growth in accounting and commerce sectors.

What Happened?

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.

Why Does it Matter?

The introduction of Burroughs' adding machine sparked the automation of financial calculations, leading to improved efficiency and accuracy in business operations. This innovation set the foundational principles for modern calculators and computers. Burroughs' work demonstrated the potential of machinery to enhance various fields, influencing future generations of inventors and entrepreneurs in technology and commerce.

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