The “Schnellkalulator System Bloch” is an unusual device first patented in 1919 and produced over the next few years. It utilises an approach to evaluating mathematical formulae known as “nomography”. This is a graphical technique which, having established several parameters in the equation allows one to evaluate the final result.
This particular device quite cleverly implements nomographic principles in a mechanical apparatus to calculate the cutting time required required in turning metal in a machine tool by evaluating the formula involved. An article by Werner H. Rudowski explains clearly how this is done.1
Very few of these devices seem to have survived and indeed the author knows of nine Bloch Schnellkalulators in Collections although there may of course be more.
1 Werner H. Rudowski, “The Schnellkalkulator ‘System Bloch’ ”, The Journal of the Oughtred Society, vol. 14, no. 1, spring 2005, pp. 46–52 (↑)
See also Short bibliography
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