Thomas de Colmar patents the Arithmometer

18th November 1820
Thomas de Colmar patents the Arithmometer

The Arithmometer or Arithmomètre was the first commercially successful mechanical calculator.

Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar (May 5, 1785 – March 12, 1870) started designing the device in 1818, and was granted a patent on November 18th 1820.

Related information:

Image:

  • Arithmometer schematics, from original patent document
    Credit: Public domain.


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Thomas de Colmar patents the Arithmometer

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