Leibniz' calculating machine: A mechanical miracle of the Enlightenment!

Leibniz' calculating machine: A mechanical miracle of the Enlightenment!

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716) is considered one of the most colorful figures of the European Enlightenment. His contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and his influence on history and law are far-reaching. What is particularly notable, however, is his invention of one of the first functioning computing machines, which is considered a forerunner of modern computers. Machine position is a fascinating chapter in the history of mathematics and technology.

In the 1990s, Prof. Nikolaus Joachim Lehmann reconstructed the TU Dresden Leibniz's calculating machine, also known as the stepped calculator. This machine, which is on permanent loan in the Dresden Technical Collections, is a remarkable technical success. Your concept goes back to the first ideas that Leibniz had already developed in Paris in 1672.

The development of the Stepped Reckoner

The development of the Stepped Reckoner began in 1673 with a wooden model that Leibniz presented to the Royal Society in London. When it was completed in 1694, he was able to present one of the first machines that performed all four basic arithmetic operations. The term “Stepped Reckoner” comes from the German word “Staffelwalze,” which means “stepped drum.”

The machine was based on a gear mechanism invented by Leibniz, the Leibniz wheel. The Stepped Reckoner could add, subtract, multiply and divide, with the results being read in a 16-digit accumulator. This was revolutionary as the machine could work with numbers of different sizes as long as the structure of the machine was adjusted accordingly.

The legacy of Leibniz

The Stepped Reckoner is now a valuable part of the cultural heritage of the 17th century. Only two prototypes were built; one of them is preserved in the Lower Saxony State Library in Hanover. The surviving machine measures approximately 67 cm in length and is made of polished brass and steel, mounted in an oak case.

In 2023, the calculating machine experienced a modern revival when it was seen in the film drama “Leibniz – Chronicle of a Lost Image” by director Edgar Reitz. The machine traveled to Munich for filming, accompanied by Dr. Jörg Zaun, a science historian TU Dresden. The depiction in the film gave the impression of Leibniz complaining about the challenges and how his invention worked.

The development and challenges of the calculating machine were not without difficulties. The original prototype struggled with mechanical problems and a design flaw in the transmission mechanism, which affected its reliability. Nevertheless, the machine remains a significant example of learned innovation in European thought.

Leibniz's vision of making simple calculations easier through mechanical methods is evident in every aspect of the Stepped Reckoner, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to resonate in today's digital world. For Leibniz, it was important that scholars were not preoccupied with trivial calculations, but could concentrate on the higher questions of science.

This remarkable combination of mind and technology secured Leibniz a place in the history of science. The calculating machine is therefore perceived not only as a technical artifact, but also as a symbol of the human desire for knowledge and efficiency. The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Library in Hanover today preserves this valuable machine and its history. It is considered a cultural treasure and inspiration for future generations of scientists.