Have you heard about the remarkable Saxonia Calculating Machine? Developed in 1895 by a team of inventors in Germany, this innovative mechanical calculator pioneered everything from numeric keypads to outputs that display results for users. Over 12,000 Saxonia calculators were manufactured and sold in offices and research institutes around the world by 1914.
In this illustrated guide, we’ll bring the story of the Saxonia calculator to life. You’ll discover how it worked, the practical real-world problems it solved and how this device ended up influencing modern computing in surprising ways even 125+ years later.
Overview of the Saxonia Calculating Machine
Essentially, the Saxonia was one of humanity’s very first calculators capable of both complex and direct mathematical computations automatically. Using an ingenious arrangement of numbered cogs, gears and handles rather than manual pencil and paper methods, the Saxonia mechanically computed additions, subtractions, multiplications and divisions.
It introduced major innovations like a movable carriage for multi-step calculations and an integrated dust cover to prevent wear and tear. Easy number input through a flat keyboard also set the Saxonia apart from notoriously tricky earlier calculators. With its straightforward design, precision and versatility, Saxonia calculating machines quickly became indispensable everywhere from accounting offices tallying profits to scientists computing complex formulas.
Now, let’s rewind and see how this pioneering device came to existence in the first place…
The Origins Story Behind the Saxonia Calculating Machine
In 1878, Eugene Straßberger and Curt Dietzschold started a calculating equipment factory in Glashütte, Germany. In 1895, Straßberger teamed up with two other mechanics from their operation – Eduard Zeibig and Josef Schumann. Together, they set out to build an enhanced version of the arithmometer, an established step drum calculator invented by Arthur Burkhardt.
The arithmometer could add, subtract, multiply and divide using its sophisticated stepped drum mechanism. Straßberger, Zeibig and Schumann believed they could improve upon its design to create an even more useful and commercially viable calculating machine.
And so, in 1895 the “Glashütter Rechenmaschinen-Fabrik Saxonia” was born. This Saxony Calculating Machine Factory developed the first Saxonia production models incorporating the best aspects of arithmometer function while adding major new innovations.
Pioneering New Design Elements in the Saxonia
The initial Saxonia calculating machine models borrowed strongly from the proven arithmometer template in terms of stepped drum construction. However the founders integrated clever new design elements that improved upon previous calculators:
1. Flat Keyboard
Early arithmometers lacked any keyboard system to input numbers. Users had to slowly dial numbers in using individual number wheels. From 1901 onward, Saxonia models featured an integrated flat keyboard that sped up number entry. It functioned similarly to early typewriter keyboards.
2. Movable Carriage
The Saxonia introduced a movable carriage mechanism that enabled complex stepped calculations not possible before. An accumulator could be shifted across the main gear shaft, essentially allowing multi-digit operations.
3. Dust Cover
A protective back panel was incorporated to shield inner gears and mechanics from dust or office debris. This cover improved product lifespan dramatically.
4. Moments Cut-Out
Special mathematical functions were added like this feature introduced in 1908 to allow convenient subtraction between numbers.
Thanks to such functionality-boosting features, Saxonia calculators quickly gained popularity over competing devices of the era.
Inner Workings – How the Saxonia Calculating Machine Functioned
But how exactly did these pioneering mechanical calculators compute mathematics? The Saxonia employed a clever mechanical architecture centered around a main gear-covered shaft:
[Diagram of Saxonia Calculating Machine Components]Setting Cursors – The 6 input keys allow entering digits 0 through 9 that set corresponding numbered gears along the shaft into positions representing the value of the number entered.
Stepped Drum – The main gear shaft has carefully calibrated “steps” representing digit positions. Gears from the input keys align to the matching position along the shaft.
Carriage – More complex operations involve moving this component progressively across the steps for multiple additions/subtractions.
Reversing Lever – Switching this lever changes rotation direction for managing both addition and subtraction functions.
Output Wheels – Numbered wheels rotate to display the end result of the calculation process once handle is turned.
While the mechanics involved may seem complex, the founders‘ brilliance was in making operation simple for human operators. Let‘s see how the Saxonia worked in practice…
Real-World Usage of the Saxonia Calculating Machine
Rather than awkward or confusing for average users, Saxonia calculators were designed for straightforward practical operation right from the start:
Accounting Department Usage
With the Saxonia, additions, subtractions and multiplications critical for bookkeeping clerks were greatly accelerated vs manual methods. Accounting firms could tally ledgers, bank statements and more in far less time.
For example, at prominent insurance provider Munchener Ruckversicherungs Gesellschaft AG, arrays of Saxonia calculators dramatically sped up essential actuarial computations compared to their previous workflow.
Government Agency Usage
The built-in reliability and precision of Saxonia calculating functionality proved invaluable for handling sensitive public data as well.
The German Customs Office employed rows of Saxonia calculators to double check import/export tax computations while reducing human error. During the 1902 census, Saxonia units assisted government statisticians in efficiently tabulating population figures across regions.
University Research Lab Usage
Beyond business and government, Saxonia calculators also found an avid audience in research institutions to facilitate scientific work.
Physicists used Saxonias to calculate complex formulas related to electromagnetism experiments. Astronomers employed the devices to help analyze photometric star observations. Across fields as diverse as geometry, economics, civil engineering and more, the Saxonia took on numerical grunt work to aid German scientists and engineers.
While few today remember names of pioneers like Eugene Straßberger or models such as the Saxonia 804, this calculating machine hugely benefited fields we now regard as utterlycommonplace, from accounting to demographics analysis. The Saxonia played an integral role in bringing sophisticated numerical work within the grasp of more humans.
Evolution of Saxonia Models and Upgrades Over Time
The initial Saxonia production models closely followed the template of Burkhardt‘s successful arithmometer calculator already familiar to the founders. However, Saxonia continually released incremental improvements:
| Year | Model # | Enhancements |
|---|---|---|
| 1897 | Saxonia II | Carriage clearing mechanism introduced |
| 1900 | Saxonia 1900 | Coiled flat spring for better carriage control |
| 1901 | Saxonia III | Flat keyboard for number entry added |
| 1903 | Saxonia 98 | Protective back dust cover |
| 1908 | Saxonia 808 | Moments cut-out feature enables easier subtraction |
| 1910 | Saxonia 1624 | Larger 16/24 step drum options |
By rapidly integrating real-world user feedback from factories and offices, Saxonia was able to upgrade its calculating line to better meet market demand. New innovations made continuing manufacture of older models largely obsolete. The Saxonia calculating machine ultimately proved itself a platform built from the ground up for constant improvement over time.
Pioneering Impact on the Evolution of Modern Computing
It‘s remarkable how concepts the Saxonia originated back in the 19th century smoothly translated into 20th century and emerging 21st century computing:
Keyboards – The Saxonia‘s early keyboard input worked essentially like keyboards still used ubiquitously today for entering information into computers.
Logic Units – The Saxonia‘s mechanical gear shafts processing number calculations were conceptual precursors of the arithmetic logic units inside modern CPUs.
Displays – Just as the Saxonia outputted totals on numbered wheels for users, all our computing devices today rely on visual electronic displays, whether smartphone screens or VR headsets.
Upgrades – Via ongoing upgrades while retaining operation, Saxonia set precedents for both hardware and software platforms continuously improved upon through new versions and releases.
The Saxonia shows how pioneering turn-of-the-century innovations established working models that retained relevancy despite the technological transformation into electronics and eventually microchips. Saxonia’s legacy continues influencing computers today.
So while most tend to assume technical inventions like programming and silicon chips drove computer evolution, primitive mechanical calculating machines like the Saxonia were also pivotal. Understanding this hidden history enriches our appreciation of information technology itself.
More Questions About Saxonia Calculating Machines
Who exactly invented the Saxonia calculator originally?
While all three founders – Eugene Straßberger, Eduard Zeibig and Josef Schumann collectively engineered the first Saxonia in 1895, Straßberger and Zeibig were the driving forces who eventually led the Saxonia calculator company through its glory years. Schumann departed the endeavor earlier.
How large were Saxonia calculating machines?
The desktop models measured around 13 inches wide x 8 inches deep x 6 inches high. So while bulky compared to today’s slim gadgets, Saxonia devices remained compact enough for practical desk work in offices and laboratories during an era when electronics had not yet been miniaturized.
What was pricing like for Saxonia calculators?
In the early 20th century, a standard Saxonia desktop calculating machine retailed for around 280 German Marks. While not cheap, large organizations found this a reasonable investment given productivity gains. Some deluxe Saxonia models with specialty features exceeded 300 Marks.
Were portable Saxonia calculating machines ever available?
Yes, Saxonia did introduce some special lightweight portable models over the years like the steel “Reise” (Travel) version. However, the company always stayed focused on reliable and robust desktop models for routine office/lab calculations rather than specialty niche devices. Portables proved less popular.
Could you divide using the Saxonia calculator?
The Saxonia was capable of division, although achieving this did require repeatedly using the handle to subtract numbers across the calculating gear shafts. So division took more effort but provided direct results without requiring manual record keeping of intermediate steps.
How was the Saxonia calculator superior to competing devices?
When it debuted in 1895, the Saxonia introduced major innovations like the movable carriage for multi-step math and integrated protective back dust cover. Easy and quick number input through the flat keyboard also set Saxonia units apart from notoriously tricky contemporary competitors.
What ultimately led to the decline of the Saxonia calculator?
While popular for years, after World War I in the 1920s the Saxonia factory faced growing competition from newer electronic calculators along with foreign imports. Despite releasing updated models, the mechanical Saxonia fell increasingly behind the tech curve. The manufacturer finally declared bankruptcy in 1929, unable to survive global depression-era pressures.
By exploring the unsung history of this pioneer calculating machine, we better appreciate the relentless technology innovation process. The Saxonia calculating machine story clearly illustrates how inventions build upon one another through the years to exponentially transform what’s possible. And pioneering computing breakthroughs can emerge from the most unlikely of sources!
