Bonn (dpa / lnw) - A calculating machine that was once given to the Pope: This historical object is now on display in the Arithmeum of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. The arithmometer was bought by the Research Institute for Discrete Mathematics, according to a statement from the German Federal Cultural Foundation on Friday. The foundation supported the purchase with 55,000 euros. The Arithmeum is an exhibition building in the Research Institute.
Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar made the calculating machine around 1852. He is regarded as the influential founder of calculating machine manufacture in Europe. After that, the arithmometer was given to Pope Pius IX. dedicated. It is unclear whether the head of the Catholic Church ever held the machine in his hands and expected it, a spokesman said. The calculating machine is still fully functional today.
