The Curta calculator
I really love this kind of thing, but I can’t quite explain why. This mechanical calculator was invented by Curt Herzstarkâan Austrian Jewâwhile he was being held in Buchenwald concentration camp during the Second World War. I played with the simulator for ages, but I still can’t quite figure out how you would actually use it to calculate things. It’s like a slide rule; my Dad used one for years before the advent of affordable electronic calculators, but to me, it’s tantamount to magic.
I’d love to have a go on a real Curta calculator thoughâit looks as if it has just the right amount of clicking, rattling, twirling things to play with.
[via BoingBoing]
1
As a child I remember spending quite some time watching my dad using a slide rule - it was mesmerising. And I like that you need to be precise in how you use them; i.e. they require a high degree of manual precision/dexterity and what seems like a relatively large amoun of arcane knowledge. I bought myself one a few years ago but never managed to get beyond multiplication (which seems like the simplest operation). The Curta, for me, doesn't seem quite so esoteric (despite the fact that I have no idea how it works
There are some instructions though if you're interested:
http://www.vcalc.net/cu-art.htm#HowTo----- Dave: Ah, that's what I was missing - the manual!
by bsag @ 07/01/2004 9:01 pm • Permalink •
2
I haven't seen the Curta simulator, but we have the real thing in our family (actually my brother has it, althoguh the box is still at our parent's house).
It is like Babbage's different engine for your pocket. It is a small object of real wonder. But I doubt whether a simulation could do it any justice at all. The whole point is that you are whirring the hundreds of little cogs with your hand, and you get exquisite force and sound feedback which varies with the exact number you have entered - I can't begin to imagine that anyone actually did real work with it.. it is just too tempting to plug in the numbers that give the best throb or whizzz! If you like Lou Reed's "Metal Machine Music" you'll love this (And as it happens I do
by John @ 08/01/2004 10:01 pm • Permalink •
3
John: I want some throb and whizzz! Sounds fantastic
I love the idea of different calculations feeling and sounding different - brings a whole new level of physicality to an abstract concept.
by bsag @ 09/01/2004 8:01 pm • Permalink •
4
I have a Curta Type I with serial number 10212.
Hi, I look for curta parts. I need three things.
One Clearing ring One white rubber for the canister One Original Manual in English One case
Anybody that have one this things please, contact me ASAP. Thanks
jalmeida@stis.net USA
by Mary @ 24/01/2004 8:02 am • Permalink •
5
I have a Curta, original in box with instructions, that I used in the mid to late 60's when I was involved with (TSD - Time, Speed, Distance) sportscar rallying. The Curta and a Halda (duo window extremely accurate odometer which could both add and subtract actual mileage) were necessities, along with an extremely accurate time source. Haven't used it in years and it's one of those things (along with the Halda)that my wife keeps asking how long am I going to keep it around. I guess my question is: Is there a market for them? Are they still being manufactured? What's it worth (or value)? I will appreciate hearing from anyone with information.
by Bill Jochimsen @ 29/01/2004 2:01 pm • Permalink •
6
While the value will vary depending on condition and type, I think you can get a good idea of what you have here:
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/&krd=1&from=R8&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=Curta
by Erik @ 06/02/2004 10:02 pm • Permalink •
Page 1 of 1 pages