in the "multiplication" key column was pressed. The machine cycled twice, then tabulated the adding mechanism below the keyboard one column to the right. The number keys remained locked down on the keyboard. The user now pressed the multiplication key which caused tabulation of the adding mechanism one more column to the right, but did not cycle the machine. Now the user pressed the multiplication key. The machine cycled once. To see the total the user was required to press a key and the machine would print the result on a paper tape, release the locked down keys, reset the adding mechanism to zero and tabulate it back to its home position. Modern adding machines are like simple calculators. They often have a different input system, though. Note: Sometimes the adding machine will have a key labeled instead of . In this case, substitute for in the examples above. Alternatively, the plus key may continuously total instead of either a or key. Sometimes, the plus key is even labeled thus: Burroughs's calculating machine William Seward Burroughs received a patent for his adding machine on August 25, 1888. He was a founder of American Arithmometer Company, which became Burroughs Corporation and evolved to produce electronic billing machines and mainframes, and eventually merged with Sperry to form Unisys. The grandson of the inventor of the adding machine is Beat author William S. Burroughs; a collection of his essays is called The Adding Machine. See also Adder (electronics) Cash register Standard Adding Machine Company Notes Sources External links Mechanical calculators Office equipment 1642 introductions