Summary
Highlights
The Leibniz Calculator, a significant early computing device, consists of two main sections: the Accumulator Section and the Input Section. The Accumulator Section features 16 decimal digits to display results, while the Input Section has 8 dials, each with a knob for input. The input section is movable on a rail, controlled by an end crank. An operation crank attached to the input section performs calculations by rotating it clockwise or counter-clockwise.
To perform addition, for instance, adding 35 and 15, first input 35 using the input section's knobs. Rotate the operation crank counter-clockwise to transfer 35 to the accumulator. Then, input 15 and rotate the operation crank counter-clockwise again. The sum, 50, will be displayed in the accumulator section.
For subtraction, like 37 minus 15, input 37 first and move it to the accumulator by rotating the operation crank counter-clockwise. Next, input 15. Rotating the operation crank clockwise will subtract 15 from 37, displaying the result, 22, in the accumulator section.
Multiplication involves a dial with ten holes and a stylus. To multiply 346 by 35, input 346. To multiply by the first digit, 5, rotate the operation crank counter-clockwise five times, using the stylus to confirm rotations. After this, move the input section left using the end crank to prepare for the next multiplication digit. Then, reset the stylus and rotate the operation crank three times for the '3' in 35. The final product, 12110, appears in the accumulator.
Division is carried out through repeated subtraction. To divide 55 by 5, first input 55 into the accumulator by rotating the operation crank counter-clockwise. Then, input the divisor, 5. Position the divisor under the leftmost digit of the dividend. Rotate the operation crank clockwise to subtract the divisor. The stylus on the right-side dial indicates the first digit of the quotient. Move the input section right and repeat the subtraction process to obtain the final quotient, 11.