In the two-part lecture series on the history of machine arithmetic, the development of arithmetic and the associated calculation tools from the beginnings to the modern computer is presented in a didactically clear way. While the first part of the lecture focuses on the beginnings of computing, the development of the first calculating instruments, adding machines and the very first calculating machines for all four basic arithmetic operations, the second part examines the complexity of mechanical computing in the 19th century and the beginnings of the development of the computer at the beginning of the 20th century, and concludes with an insight into computing today.
The lecture is characterized by the fact that numerous ideas of famous mathematicians, such as Pascal, Kepler and Schickard, Leibniz or Poleni, who were also involved in the development of calculating machines, are presented and demonstrated in the original or as faithful replicas. This allows visitors to experience the very exciting ideas from a mechanical and technical history perspective.

The exercises associated with the lecture aim to gain a deeper understanding of the different ideas for improving mechanical computing over the past 400 years and also to try out the use of historical computing methods and work with original machines. The focus is not only on operation but also on the technical realization of computing. To deepen understanding, small 3D animations (in Blender) of simple computing mechanisms are created and presented in a presentation in small groups. Models can also be produced and used to create didactically valuable videos. In this respect, the creative development of historical techniques is also encouraged.

The lecture is recommended for students of mathematics, computer science, mathematics teaching, history, geodesy and art history.

Registration for the lecture and exercise is required at the beginning at vorlesung-gdmr(at)arithmeum.uni-bonn.de and in good time before the examinations in the university's Basis system.

The lecture takes place in the Gerhard Konow lecture hall of the Arithmeum during the semester on Wednesdays from 4.15 pm to 5.45 pm. Exercises take place during the semester on Mondays from 4.15 p.m. to 5.45 p.m., also in the Arithmeum lecture hall. Examinations are held orally as individual examinations at the end of the semester.

After successfully completing both parts of the course, a project group can be carried out by individual arrangement and there are opportunities to write a Bachelor's or Master's thesis, as well as a doctorate.