My ‘old’ calculator
This is my MkI Curta calculator. It was developed by Curt Herzstark in the 1940’s. It is made up from 605 finely machined parts and is capable of some advanced mathematics. By using this resource, I am able to calculate that my Curta calculator, with serial number 59065 was manufactured in November 1963, making it 42 years old. It is in fine condition and I intend to learn more about it and what it can do. I have multplication, addition and subtraction sorted… now I need to work on division, squares, roots and remainders! If you want to have a go at using a Curta calculator, you can try it out using this well made simulator.
#1
I think the Curta is a Type I not MkI (if it is a MKI then it should probably be MK1!). And while on this tack should URI be URL?
Think of adding “Pattern Recognition” by William Gibson to your future reading list.
TGB
Comment by tgb — 30/1/2005 @ 12:23 pm
#2
I stand corrected about the calculator… it is a Type 1 not a Mk 1!
URI is ‘Uniform Resource Identifier’, it is a superclass of both URL and URN. It’s a string that identifies a particular location in a file system or on the Web and how that resource should be accessed.
I have read Pattern Recognition! Great book! In fact I have read most of William Gibson’s books in the past. He is one of my favourite authors.
Comment by Phrixus — 30/1/2005 @ 12:39 pm
#3
Nice calculator! I’ve only recently become aware of Curta calculators myself (through reading “Pattern Recognition”) and would sorely love to get my hands on one
…but judging by the prices these are selling for that won’t be any time soon so I guess I’ll have to give that simulator a go 
nexus
Comment by nexus — 15/6/2006 @ 1:37 am