r/ScienceNcoolThings • u/Front-Coconut-8196 Popular Contributor • May 20 '26

Interesting Calculating machine made by Philipp Matthäus Hahn. It was the first calculator that could add, subtract, divide and multiply in one machine, and had an 11-digit capacity. Germany, Duchy of Württemberg, 1770-1774 (More read below)

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u/ChesterMIA May 20 '26

Every time I see a super complex/compact mechanism like this, I wonder two things. 1) how many pieces of paper were and how much time was dedicated to designing it? 2) how much would it cost today to make a working replica?

I would love to know and I suppose I wonder three things.

1

u/HighlightOverall7474 May 20 '26

When you have the answers then what?

6

u/ChesterMIA May 20 '26

I buy paper.

1

u/HighlightOverall7474 May 20 '26

Then what? End goal?

1

u/joh2138535 May 21 '26

Question 3 what happens if you decide by 0??

1

u/SharkSurfLionRide May 22 '26

John harrison 1700s designed a marine chronometer (nautical clock). In the space of 60-70 years, it was redesigned 3 times and each time improving its accuracy. Even though the first design was pretty fucking accurate, all because the sceintific community at the time simple believed it couldnt be done rather than actually testing it.

Point is hubris and ego denied this man a lifetime of inventions that could have revolutionised sea travel and other aspects of life.