Hollerith Tabulating Machine, 1890
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After seven years tabulating the 1880 census, the US Census Bureau ran a contest for a quicker method. Herman Hollerith won, and his "computer" was used for the 1890 census. Data was transferred to punched cards, which were pressed under a plate with pins in it. The pins went through punched holes into mercury-filled wells, completing a circuit and registering the data on the machine's dials.
After seven years tabulating the 1880 census, the US Census Bureau ran a contest for a quicker method. Herman Hollerith won, and his "computer" was used for the 1890 census. Data was transferred to punched cards, which were pressed under a plate with pins in it. The pins went through punched holes into mercury-filled wells, completing a circuit and registering the data on the machine's dials.
Artifact
Tabulating machine
Date Made
1890
Subject Date
1890
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
36.282.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Oak (Wood)
Metal
Glass (Material)
Dimensions
Height: 54.75 in
Width: 37.5 in
Depth: 28.5 in
Inscriptions
HOLLERITH ELECTRIC TABULATING SYSTEM / PATENTED 1889
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