Mechanical calculators, such as those designed by Pascal and Leibniz, were first developed in the 1600s. However, they were not widely used in businesses and laboratories until the 1800s. Why was this the case?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Early calculators were difficult to build, owing to the precision required in making and assembling all the interlocking pieces. It wasn’t until the early 1800s, when manufacturing methods improved to the point where mass production was possible, that mechanical calculators became commonplace in businesses and laboratories.