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Instructions for basic arithmetic operations with a "Comptometer" type calculator. This is a new article and was not in "The International Calculator Collector". These instructions for performing the basic 4-functions on a "Comptometer" type calculator are taken from the operating instructions of the Sumlock machine manufactured by the Bell Punch Company, though they can be applied to Comptometer machines in general. A typical "Comptometer" calculator keyboard: |
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Introduction Note that each key has two numbers. The larger number is used for addition and multiplication, whereas the small number (which is the "nines complement") is used in subtraction and division. The little buttons at the bottom of each column of keys are the "subtraction buttons". Simpler machines did not have the small numbers on the keys or the subtraction buttons and were mainly for addition and multiplication.Comptometer operators were taught to use the machines in the same way that typewriters and computer keyboards can be operated using the "touch typing" technique. Here you do not look at the keys but move the fingers to the correct keys using touch. An important feature of Comptometers, which is widely used in these instructions, is that keys in different columns can be pressed simultaneously. So to enter 123 the fingers of one hand are placed on the 1, 2, and 3 keys of adjacent columns and then all fingers are pressed at the same time.
Addition "It is important that the operator does not look at the keyboard when adding. Keys Nos. 1 to 5 only are used in addition. This enables greater speed as it is quicker to strike two keys with the hand practically stationary than to move the hand to a distant key. The odd numbered kays 1, 3 and 5 are hollowed while those of the even numbers 2 and 4 are flat. This enables the operator to obtain a greater speed by the "touch" method. The machine is operated by pressing one key at a time. Should two keys in the one column be accidentally pressed the lower key only will register. As mentioned previously keys numbered 1 to 5 only keys are used.
The answer is shown in the glass panel at the foot of the machine. To clear the figures pull the Clearance Lever forward and release."
Multiplication "Large figures on the keys are used for multiplication and the full complement of keys 1 to 9 in each column are used. The operator must remember to press the keys simultaneously with a firm stroke and even action. a) Multiplication of whole numbers. When multiplying whole numbers move from right to left of machine in the same manner as is done on paper. Example: To multiply 56 by 87 = 4872 Place fingers on 87 and depress six times for units in 56 then move both fingers one place to left and depress five times in this position. This is the tens position. For hundreds, thousands, etc., move one place further left respectively. b) Multiplication of decimals. When multiplying decimals move from left to right of machine, also working from left to right of the figures being multiplied. Example: 46.37 x 21.43 Count the whole numbers on both sides of the multiplication sign and in this example place the decimal pointer after the 4th dial from the left as there are 4 whole numbers in the example. Hold 46.37 in its correct position, the 4 in the first column, 6 in the second column, 3 in the third column, and 7 in the fourth column. Press in twice. Move one place to right and press once. Move one place further right and press four times. Move one place aeain and press three times. Answer = 993.7091"
Subtraction "RULE. USE SMALL NUMBERS ON THE KEYBOARD LESS 1, i.e. when subtracting 73, depress small 7 (in the tens column) and the small 2 (in the units column). Always depress one key at a time, starting with the left hand figure of the amount to be subtracted. When "0" occurs between other figures as in 2023 always depress the small "0" in the column in which the 0 appears. When "9"s occur with other figures as in 993, do not depress any keys in those particular columns as there are no small "9"s on the machine. They are of no value. When subtracting say 4200 in making this one less, 4199 the only keys to depress are the 4 (in the thousands column) and the 1 (in the hundreds).
SUBTRACTION BUTTONS. The row of buttons ranged below the keys and above the answer dials are the Subtraction Buttons. Example 1. 2749 - 1426 Add 2749 into machine on the right hand side. Press in the "Subtraction Button" immediately to the left of first figure in the machine (which in this case is 2) until completion of subtraction. Answer = 1323.
When the first figure to be subtracted is greater in value than the corresponding figure from which the subtraction is to be made, it is necessary to "Borrow" from the next column and we hold the subtraction button before this column and depress the small "0" in the column from which the "BORROWING" has taken place. Example 2. 57486 - 821 With this example it will be seen at a glance that 8 hundreds cannot be subtracted from 4 hundreds so we must "BORROW" from the thousands column. Hold the subtraction button immediately to the left of the 7 in the
thousand column when the 57486 has been added into the machine. Answer = 56665."
Division "The small figures on the keys are used for division and like subtraction one is deducted from the last figure of value. e.g. to divide by 76 hold small 7 and small 5. There are three rules to be carried out in division:
The Index figure is the figure in the dial immediately to the left of the figure or figures the operator is holding. The remainder is always the amount in the dials immediately underneath the columns where the divisor is being held. The operator must always mark off first. Place the decimal pointer in its correct place, moving one place to the left for each whole number Example: 49248 / 76 Place 49248 in the left hand side of the machine, and place decimal pointer after the 8. Move the decimal pointer one place to left for each whole number in the divisor the dial will now read 492.48. Hold 76 in small figures with last figure one less, now holding 75 immediately over the first two figures in the machine. Now 76 will not divide into 49, therefore move fingers one place to the right. The fingers will now be over the 92. The operator now catches up with the index figure, which is 4. If the index figure changes during operation, continue to press the keys the amount of times the Index figure shows. As the index figure is 4 press the keys 4 times. It is now noticed that the index figure has changed to five so press once more, it has now changed to 6, so press again. The index figure is now 6, and having pressed 76 in six times, carry on to next step. 36 is less than 76 so move over. The fingers will now be over 64. The index figure is now three, so press 3 tines. It has now changed to 4, so press the keys again. We have now caught up to the index figure. As 60 is less than 76 move one place to right. The fingers are now over 08. The index figure is 6, so press the keys 6 times. It has now moved to 7 so press once more. The remainder is 76 so reduce by pressing the keys once. Answer = 648 Always check division by multiplication i.e. Divisor X quotient = Dividend. When the divisor does not go into the dividend the exact number of times, it will be necessary to divide right across the keyboard."
After reading these instruction I feel very glad that electronic pocket calculators were developed. Subtraction and division appear to be very prone to errors if the person lost concentration. You can appreciate why there were may "colleges" teaching Comptometer techniques run by the manufacturers. |
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The photograph above shows a Comptometer Educator, which is a dummy abbreviated Comptometer used for training purposes. It is used to practice entering complete numbers in one go using all the fingers of the hand. |
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This photograph is from the journal "Office Magazine" for January 1955 and has the caption "Over 180 girls a year pass through the Liverpool school for Comptometer operators run by Felt & Tarrant Ltd. Course normally lasts three months, but there is a shorter course, provided free, which covers three weeks and deals with one specific application of the Comptometer". |
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Vintage Calculators |
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© Text & photographs copyright Nigel Tout 2000 - 2007, and otherwise as indicated. |
