microrobert
08-23-2013, 06:50 PM
Rare French 17th-century "pocket" calculator set for London sale
It will take someone with pretty deep pockets to purchase and transport what is being described by auction house Christie's as one of four surviving 17th-century French "pocket" calculating machines, to be sold in London in October.
With an estimated price of between 70,000 pounds and 100,000 pounds, and with dimensions of 14.5 cm by 32.5 cm (5.7 by 12.8 inches), the "pocket" description is pretty much a euphemism.
But the compact size of the paper-and-wood box with a fascinating array of 24 dials embedded in the lid was one of its main selling points, James Hyslop, head of Christie's science department, said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/23/us-auctions-christies-calculator-idUSBRE97M0J220130823
René Grillet de Roven
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9_Grillet_de_Roven
http://history-computer.com/MechanicalCalculators/images/ReneGrilletMachine.jpg
The calculating machine of René Grillet de Roven
History of Computers and Computing, Mechanical calculators, Pioneers, René Grillet de Roven (http://history-computer.com/MechanicalCalculators/Pioneers/Grillet.html)
It will take someone with pretty deep pockets to purchase and transport what is being described by auction house Christie's as one of four surviving 17th-century French "pocket" calculating machines, to be sold in London in October.
With an estimated price of between 70,000 pounds and 100,000 pounds, and with dimensions of 14.5 cm by 32.5 cm (5.7 by 12.8 inches), the "pocket" description is pretty much a euphemism.
But the compact size of the paper-and-wood box with a fascinating array of 24 dials embedded in the lid was one of its main selling points, James Hyslop, head of Christie's science department, said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/23/us-auctions-christies-calculator-idUSBRE97M0J220130823
René Grillet de Roven
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9_Grillet_de_Roven
http://history-computer.com/MechanicalCalculators/images/ReneGrilletMachine.jpg
The calculating machine of René Grillet de Roven
History of Computers and Computing, Mechanical calculators, Pioneers, René Grillet de Roven (http://history-computer.com/MechanicalCalculators/Pioneers/Grillet.html)