Calculating machine

Calculating machine

A calculating machine is a machine designed to come up with calculations or, in other words, computations. One noted machine was the Victorian British scientist Charles Babbage's Difference Engine (No. 2), designed in the 1840s but never completed in the inventor's lifetime. A working example, based on Babbage's original specifications and using only materials available during the mid-19th century, was built at the London Science Museum in the late 1990s.

Calculating machines shouldn't be confused with adding machines, which are for solving sums.

ee also

* Calculator
* History of computing hardware

Patents

* — "Calculating machine" — W. S. Burroughs


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Calculating machine — Calculating Cal cu*la ting, a. 1. Of or pertaining to mathematical calculations; performing or able to perform mathematical calculations. [1913 Webster] 2. Given to contrivance or forethought; forecasting; scheming; as, a cool calculating… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • calculating machine — n. CALCULATOR (sense 3) …   English World dictionary

  • calculating machine — noun a small machine that is used for mathematical calculations • Syn: ↑calculator • Derivationally related forms: ↑calculate (for: ↑calculator) • Hypernyms: ↑machine …   Useful english dictionary

  • calculating machine — calculator, machine that makes calculations …   English contemporary dictionary

  • calculating machine — calculator (def. 2). [1700 10] * * * …   Universalium

  • Calculating — Cal cu*la ting, a. 1. Of or pertaining to mathematical calculations; performing or able to perform mathematical calculations. [1913 Webster] 2. Given to contrivance or forethought; forecasting; scheming; as, a cool calculating disposition. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • calculating — calculatingly, adv. /kal kyeuh lay ting/, adj. 1. capable of or made for performing calculations, esp. arithmetical calculations: a calculating machine. 2. shrewd; cautious: a wise and calculating lawyer. 3. selfishly scheming: a cold and… …   Universalium

  • calculating — adjective Date: 1710 1. making calculations < calculating machine > 2. marked by prudent analysis or by shrewd consideration of self interest ; scheming • calculatingly adverb …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • calculating — /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪŋ / (say kalkyuhlayting) adjective 1. that performs calculations: a calculating machine. 2. shrewd; cautious. 3. selfishly scheming …  

  • calculating punch — noun : a calculating machine into which problems or data are fed on punched cards and which presents its output in the form of similarly punched cards compare punch card …   Useful english dictionary

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