William Seward Burroughs I

American businessman and inventor of adding machine

William Seward Burroughs I - American businessman and inventor of adding machine
Born

January 28th, 1855
170 years ago

Died

September 14th, 1898
126 years ago — 43 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An American businessman, founded the Burroughs Corporation, which became a major manufacturer of adding machines and other business equipment. Burroughs developed an early form of the adding machine and patented many innovations related to mechanical calculations. His invention contributed significantly to the automation of financial calculations in business settings. The Burroughs Corporation grew to become a large company in the field of office equipment, eventually merging with Sperry Corporation in 1986 to form Unisys.

Founded Burroughs Corporation

Developed early adding machines

Patented numerous innovations in calculation

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