ODHNER ARITHMOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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The Odhner Arithmometer is a mechanical calculator that was invented by the Swedish engineer Willgodt Theophil Odhner in the late 19th century. It was one of the earliest and most successful mechanical calculators of its time and was widely used in offices and businesses for various arithmetic calculations.
The Odhner Arithmometer consists of a series of rotating drums, each divided into ten equally spaced compartments representing the digits 0 to 9. These drums are arranged in parallel columns, usually four or five in number, with each column representing a different order of magnitude (units, tens, hundreds, etc.). The operator would input numbers by turning the appropriate drum to set the desired digit, and the machine would automatically add, subtract, multiply, or divide based on the positions of the drums.
The result of each calculation would be displayed on a series of dials or indicators, one for each column of digits. The Odhner Arithmometer featured a carry mechanism that allowed it to handle larger numbers, making it versatile and efficient for its time.
The mechanical design of the Odhner Arithmometer ensured accuracy and reliability, and it became widely used in businesses, banks, and government offices throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It remained popular until the rise of electronic calculators in the mid-20th century. The Odhner Arithmometer served as a foundational model for the development of subsequent mechanical calculators and contributed significantly to the advancement of computational devices during its time.
Common Misspellings for ODHNER ARITHMOMETER
- Ohdner Arithmometer
- Odhner Arithmomter
- Odnar Arithmometer
- Odner Arithometer
- Odner Arithmometr
- Odnear Arithmometer
Etymology of ODHNER ARITHMOMETER
The word "Odner Arithmometer" is named after its inventor, Willgodt Theophil Odhner. The term "arithmometer" itself refers to a mechanical calculator or adding machine. The word "arithmometer" is derived from the Greek word "arithmos", meaning number, and the suffix "-meter", which means measure.
