Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2008.16.02
- Made by: Contina Ltd Mauren, Liechtenstein
- Model: Type 2
- Serial Number: 530512
- Date Made: Unknown
- Approximate size:
- Accessories: metal carrying case
- Condition: good
Commentary:
The Curta was small enough to fit in one hand, controlled with a single finger, and would add, subtract, multiply, and divide. It could also calculate powers and roots. A book of tables and a Curta in its metal container could easily be transported into the field for field calculations. It was also used in the office. Some dubbed it the “pepper grinder” due to its design and mode of operation. Type 2 was 8 place and the Type 1 was 6.
The following are in the Collections hard copy file:
- a paperback manual, tan in color, 15 cm (l) X 10 cm (w) X 2 mm (t).
The cover has the words “Computing Examples for the CURTA Calculating Machine”, there are also other words and symbols on it. - a folded sheet that shows the instrument and describes how to use the calculator. It is 22 cm X 30 cm opened out and 15 cm X 10.5 cm folded.
Source of Object: Donated by Murray Ingalls.
Notes: Murray Ingalls, ALS donated this instrument and stated that he used the CURTA Model II calculator Serial # 530512 until 1973. This calculator was used for his work with the Department of Highways in the Peace River area and later in the Hanna area.
References: Visit the article Too Cumbersome for the Field – Mechanical Calculators for additional information.
Description by: Updated by Ed Titanich, September 28, 2024.