‘Most important scientific instrument ever sold’, the world’s first mechanical calculator, expected to fetch $3.3 million at auction

The world’s first mechanical calculator, dubbed the ‘most important scientific instrument sold’, is set to sell for more than $3 million at auction.

As far as scientifically significant inventions go, the world’s first mechanical calculator is right up there. 

It was created back in the 1640s by French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal.

Centuries on, the invention is set to go under the hammer, meaning someone will get the chance to buy a real piece of scientific history. 

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The world’s first mechanical calculator is set to go under the hammer

Blaise Pascal was just a teenager when he helped create the world’s first mechanical calculator – known at the time as Pascalines. 

The Pascaline is a small brass and wood instrument that is able to perform additions and subtractions with certainty. 

While that may not sound like such a big deal these days, when we’re all working around with a world of information in our pockets, back in 1642, it was nothing short of groundbreaking, and it helped pave the way for the modern technologies we all use today.

In total, nine of the original Pascaline models remain, all of which have, understandably, ended up in museums, including one in the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. 

However, there is one model that is still in private hands. 

And, 400 years after its creation, the calculator is set to be sold at Christie’s, with the iconic auction house hailing it as ‘undoubtedly the most important scientific instrument ever offered at auction’.

“The Pascaline is much more than a simple mechanical object: it is the first attempt in history to substitute the human mind with a machine,” a statement about the auction reads. 

“Its invention marks a breakthrough, a ‘quantum leap’ whose importance and significance take on a very special meaning today.” 

Somewhat incredibly, the four-century-old calculator still works.

As you might expect for an item dubbed ‘most important scientific instrument sold’, the world’s first mechanical calculator has a steep estimated valuation.

It will be auctioned off in November and has an estimate of between $2.3 million and $3.5 million.

The 400-year-old device is set to go on a ‘tour’ ahead of its sale

The world’s first mechanical calculator will be sold at Christie’s Paris in November. 

Prior to that, it will be exhibited in Paris during September, before heading to New York between October 11 and 15, and Christie’s Hong Kong from October 23 to 29. 

It will go back on display in Paris from November 13 until its sale on November 19.The post ‘Most important scientific instrument ever sold’, the world’s first mechanical calculator, expected to fetch $3.3 million at auction appeared first on Supercar Blondie.