Exhibit of the month
In this section we will be presenting a changing selection of outstanding mechanical calculators, their historical background and functionality. Most of the time this presentation will feature a 3D-animation of a mechanical calculator produced by one of our students or employees. These animations, often created as part of a bachelor’s thesis, will show you the use and functionality of a specific mechanical calculator in amazing detail. Sometimes even the first attempts on working with the 3D creation software Blender that students are able to realize during the university lecture “History of Mechanical Calculating” held here at the Arithmeum are so impressive that we will be showing you the resulting video here. That is why, though we aim to ensure a consistent quality of presentations, you might experience certain differences in quality and length. Yet, these shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the fascination of those mechanical wonders we are happy to show you!
Arithmographe by Léon Bollée
In this video, which was created during her internship, Catharina Meyberg explains the structure and functioning of the so-called arithmograph—a multiplying machine developed by French automobile manufacturer and inventor Léon Bollée.
The arithmographe is a combination device for multiplying numbers with a maximum of 6 digits by numbers with up to 14 digits. Its design combines two historical calculation systems: the upper part uses six flip-up rods based on the Napier or Genaille principle, while the base consists of a 14-digit slide rule based on the Troncet system.
These two systems interact directly with each other during the calculation process. Technical features include the ability to delete the left and right seven digits of the result separately, as well as the ability to perform subtraction using the principle of complementary numbers.






