PODCAST:More or Less: Behind the Stats
TITLE:A pocket-size history of the calculator
DATE:2024-02-03 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
The episode of "More or Less: Behind the Stats" from February 3, 2024, delves into the fascinating history of the calculator, tracing its evolution from primitive counting tools to the sophisticated electronic devices we are familiar with today. Host Tim Harford interviews Keith Houston, author of "Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator," providing an in-depth look at the technological advancements and historical milestones that have shaped the development of calculators.
The journey begins with humanity's earliest counting methods, progressing through significant innovations such as the abacus, clay tablets, and the slide rule, which remained a staple tool for over three centuries, contributing to monumental achievements like the steam train and the Empire State Building. The narrative then transitions to the invention of the first practical mechanical calculator, the Arithmometer, by Charles Xavier Thomas in France during the 19th century. Despite its commercial success, the Arithmometer was bulky and far from being pocket-sized.
Keith Houston introduces Kurt Hertstark, an Austrian who, during World War II, was compelled under duress at the Buchenwald concentration camp to develop a genuinely portable calculator. Hertstark's creation, conceptualized as a gift for Adolf Hitler, was a mechanical marvel the size of a soda can, marking a significant step towards the pocket calculator.
The episode continues with the emergence of electronic calculators, highlighting the Casio 14A, launched in 1957 by the Casio brothers in Japan. Inspired by a competition between an electromechanical calculator and an abacus operator, Toshio Casio innovated by using relays to create a calculator that laid the groundwork for modern computing. The Sumlock Anita, developed in Britain, followed as the first electronic calculator with no moving parts, using vacuum tubes as switches and setting the stage for the miniaturization and cost reduction of calculators.
The narrative culminates in the 1970s and 1980s, described as the golden age of the pocket calculator. These devices became ubiquitous, evolving into highly coveted consumer electronics. Calculators were integrated into watches, clocks, and even cigarette lighters, exemplifying the era's innovation and consumer fascination.
Reflecting on the current state of calculators, Harford and Houston ponder whether the device is obsolete. They conclude that while physical calculators might be less common, the functionality and necessity of calculation persist in digital forms like apps and spreadsheets. The "spirit" of the calculator endures in modern technology, signifying its everlasting relevance despite the physical object's transformation.
This episode of "More or Less" not only offers a thorough examination of the calculator's history but also reflects on its enduring impact on technology and society. Through engaging storytelling and expert insights, it illustrates how calculators have evolved from essential tools for computation to integral components of our digital lives, underscoring the constant interplay between technological innovation and human needs.
