NAME: CABATAC, JOANA CARLA L.
COURSE/SECTION: AR/A2
STUDENT #: 2013122116
SEATWORK 1 (READING)
Write the brand name. (1 point)
From the article, write a formal definition of
Curta Calculator using this formula, Term +
Genus + Differentia. (3 points)
(Term is the word to be defined + Genus is the
family or group the term belongs + Differentia
is the distinguishing feature of the term that
other members of the family do no have)
e.g. A triangle is a plane figure bounded by
Term Genus
three straight lines and having three angles.
Differentia
Is the Curta Calculator an invention or
innovation? Explain briefly. (2 points)
Enumerate three needs for a calculator as
mentioned in the article. (3 points)
What was the approach used by Herzstark in
solving these needs. Explain briefly. (5 points)
Prof. Marites Tamayo-Fagaragan
DATE: SEPT. 27, 2019
Curta Calculator
A Curta Calculator is a calculating machine used to
perform addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division, square roots and other operations
mechanically.
Curta Calculator is an invention invented by Curt
Herzstark. The creation of the product and
introduction of the process was introduced for the
first time for the Curta Calculator. Hence, making
the product an invention.
The calculator needs to be:
1. Machine that fits in a pocket and can
calculate
2. Cylindrical shape
3. Use only one calculating mechanism
Herzstark thought it would be more useful if the
machine is a cylindrical in shape so that it can be
held in one hand. And with that, it will function by
using the other hand to adjust the sides, top and
bottom. The answer would appear on the top.
He also used the mechanism of wrap sliders around
the cylinder for easier input of numbers, creating an
area for the results on the top of the cylinder.
As for the mechanism, Herzstark used only one to
avoid expensive and heavy gears if multiple
mechanism is used. The calculator has eight sliders
to enter digits, but the teeth on a single central drum
would handle the arithmetic.
ENG 13
 Name four benefits as a result of the Curta
calculator. (4 points)
What was the most important thing that
Herzstark made with this work and profited
from it? (2 points)
Prof. Marites Tamayo-Fagaragan
Four benefits as a result of the Curta Calculator:
1. The invention saved Herzstark’s life from
being a captive of Germans.
2. Herzstark made profit due to high demand
of his invention.
3. It is widely used by engineers, surveyors,
bank managers and sports enthusiasts.
4. Herzstark’s invention was touted as “The
Miniature Universal Pocket Size Calculating
Machine”
The Curta Calculator’s patents were still under
Herzstark’s name during the high demand of his
product and therefore made profit from his
invention. It was the most important thing he did
with this invention to avoid being squeezed out of
the profits.
ENG 13