The evolution and impact of calculators are chronicled in a fascinating new book that delves into the journey from humble abacus to the sophisticated electronic devices we use today. This captivating narrative is bound to engage those with an interest in electronics, computers, and the history of technology.
My first encounter with an electronic calculator was in the 1970s when my grandfather, an engineer, proudly showed off his prized digital calculator. I was awestruck by the device and envisioned breezing through my elementary school math homework with it. Although I can’t recall the brand, it’s highly likely it was a model similar to the Hewlett-Packard HP-35, a device that swiftly dethroned the trusty slide rule that generations of engineers and scientists had relied on for quick calculations and basic computations.
In his latest book, “Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator,” author Keith Houston (published by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.) explores the evolution of calculators. Houston, who previously penned “Shady Characters,” a book about punctuation, and “The Book,” a history of books, starts his narrative with rudimentary mechanical devices like the abacus and leads readers through to the modern electronic calculator, which has largely been supplanted by smartphone apps.
Houston’s narrative style echoes that of the unexpected bestseller “Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time,” which detailed the invention of precise clocks for maritime navigation. In his book, Houston outlines the development of slide rules and intricate mechanical calculating machines before delving into the advent of electronic devices powered by vacuum tubes, transistors, and eventually, integrated circuits.
The advent of these technological marvels allowed my grandfather to retire his slide rule and allowed me to use its LED display to spell “SHELLOIL” by typing in 71077345 and inverting the calculator. Houston’s book also highlights the significant contributions of companies like Olivetti, Texas Instruments, and Hewlett-Packard in making the compact pocket calculator a reality.
However, Houston also notes that the once revolutionary device has been rendered obsolete by software on omnipresent smartphones. He poignantly writes, “The calculator is dead,” he writes. “Long live the calculator.”
The book provides an insightful look into the evolution of calculators and their impact on society. It underscores the importance of these devices in the advancement of technology and how they have shaped our understanding and application of mathematics, coding, and programming languages.
For those engrossed in the world of electronics, computers, and technology, “Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator” is a must-read. The book, spanning 384 pages, is priced at $32.50 for the hardcover edition and is also available for Kindle.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the evolution of everyday objects, this book will provide a captivating journey through the history of calculators. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and a reminder of how far we’ve come in our quest to simplify complex calculations and computations.
