6120. Interesting computing scale by Fuller and Palmer.

A FULLER'S TIME TELEGRAPH AND PALMER'S COMPUTING SCALE. FULLER, JOHN E. - PALMER, AARON. Fuller's Time Telegraph and Palmer's Computing Scale. New York, John E. Fuller, 1852.

A double faced circular calculator comprising of a square board with gilt red leather border surrounding printed scales with central volvelle, the obverse carries Fuller's Time telegraph which enables the number of days, weeks or months to be determined between two given dates without calculation, the reverse is Aaron Palmer's circular slide rule with scales for percentages, monetary transactions, and interest. Engraved by G. G. Smith, Boston. C. 287x287x6 mm. Calculator loose in a black cloth portfolio cover (partly worn) together with printed instructions titled: "Fuller's Computing Telegraph" (24 pages). Calculator with some slight wear and some spotting, leather with slight wear. At the end a folding engraved table "Analytical table of mechanical Movements" engraved by G. Pelton (browned and heavily spotted). On inside of the portfolio printed text: "Telegraphic computer, a most wonderful and extraordinary instrument,...." (heavily foxed, small text loss in lower part).

Designed by John Emory Fuller (1799-1878) in 1844 and patented in 1845. 'Palmer's Computing Scale' was used to calculate square measures, cubic measures, timber measures, grain measures, liquid measures and interest rates from 3 percent to 10 percent on a daily and monthly basis. Invented by Aaron Palmer and patented in 1843 in Massachusetts, the copyright of which had been purchased by Fuller in 1844 or 1845. This 'computing scale' represents a very early use of the word 'computer' for a device rather than a person.