Haines Calculating Machine Patent Model

Object Details

Description: This patent model for an adder with a single digit mechanical carry has a wooden base and a circular metal mechanism. At the center is a brass disc that has 100 holes around the outside. Around it is a slightly elevated stationary ring, with the numbers from 1 to 9 engraved around it, representing 10, 20, etc, through 90. Between each of these numbers, smaller digits from 1 up to 9 are engraved. There is a stop at 0.; We know little about William M. Haines. The 1850 US Census for Rochester, New York, lists “William Hayes,” 38 years old, born in New York, who was a clerk living with W. V. K. Lansing, bookkeeper, and his family. The city directories for Rochester mention in 1845 a civil engineer named William Haines, living at 5 Elizabeth. He does not appear in the 1847 or 1849 city directories. In 1851, William Haines is listed as a clerk, with his home on 86 S. St. Paul. From 1853 through 1859, there was a dentist, William M. Haines, with an office at 32 Smith’s Arcade. He is not listed in the city directory for 1861, 1863 or 1864, but reappears in 1866 and 1867. He is not found in censuses of the period, nor in later city directories.; References: Scientific American, vol. 4, August 25, 1849, p. 388, account of machine.; William M. Haines. “Calculating Machine,” U.S. Patent #6403, 1849.
Location: Currently not on view

1849

Physical Description: wood (overall material); brass (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 3 cm x 15.3 cm x 14.2 cm; 1 3/16 in x 6 1/32 in x 5 19/32 in

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics; Adder; Science & Mathematics

National Museum of American History

GUID (Link to Original Record): https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-0e6f-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa