Fowler Calculators

Fowler "Magnum" calculator and handbook

Fowler Calculators Ltd was a manufacturer of slide rules and other scientific and mathematical instruments, based in Manchester, England and founded by William Henry Fowler.[1][2]

History

Fowler had studied mathematics at Owens College, Manchester in the 1870s. He became editor of the journal The Practical Engineer in 1891, which led to him starting the Scientific Publishing Company in 1898. That year, his journal The Mechanical Engineer published the design of a circular calculator operated by moving fixed pointers over a revolving dial. In 1908, Fowler's son, Harold, began commercial production of circular calculators in Sale,[3] using the same design with the calculator's appearance and control resembling that of a pocket watch.[1]

After Harold Fowler's retirement, the company was run by Jim Cookson, and closed in 1988 following his retirement.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 Hopp, Peter (1999). Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers. Astragal Press. p. 108. ISBN 978-1-879-33586-8.
  2. ↑ "Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library of Manchester" 62. John Rylands University Library of Manchester. 1979. p. 535.
  3. 1 2 "Fowler & Co." (PDF). Museum of Science and Industry. Retrieved 18 March 2015.

External links

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