National Semiconductor NS 4520 Handheld Electronic Calculator, the Scientist

Object Details

National Semiconductor Corporation

Description

In the mid-1970s, National Semiconductor Corporation made a series of “professional” calculators that were distributed under both the Novus and the National Semiconductor brand names. This handheld electronic calculator, dubbed the Scientist, sold under the National Semiconductor name. The calculator has a black plastic case, thirty-five rectangular plastic keys, and a plastic display cover. At the bottom of the keyboard are ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a clear key. To the right of these is a column of four arithmetic function keys. The function of these keys is marked on the keys themselves. Also included among the marked keys is an enter key. The calculator used reverse Polish notation.

To the right and above these keys are a variety of function keys. The function of the keys is indicated on the keyboard. A mark above the keyboard reads: Scientist. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. A mark above this reads: National Semiconductor. The jack for a power adapter is along the back edge and a power switch is on the left edge.

The calculator has no separate battery compartment. A marked scratched on the case reads: MODEL (/) 4520. A sticker at the bottom of the back reads: Made in Hong Kong.

Compare the Novus Scientist (1986.0988.228).

Location

Currently not on view

Credit Line

Gift of John B. Priser

ca 1976

ID Number

1986.0988.063

catalog number

1986.0988.063

accession number

1986.0988

Object Name

electronic calculator

Other Terms

electronic calculator; Handheld

Physical Description

plastic (case; display cover; keys material)

metal (circuitry material)

paper (sticker material)

Measurements

overall: 1 in x 2 3/4 in x 6 in; 2.54 cm x 6.985 cm x 15.24 cm

place made

China: Hong Kong

See more items in

Medicine and Science: Computers

Computers & Business Machines

Handheld Electronic Calculators

National Museum of American History

Record ID

nmah_334477

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ae-3f9f-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa