Handheld Electronic Calculators Enter American Life

Time: 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Saint Augustine Center, Room 300, Villanova University

We begin with conversation and a light supper (donation: $10.00). When the discussion lags, about 6:30 to 6:45, Peggy Kidwell, Head of Mathematics Collection at the Smithsonian Institution, will speak on:

Handheld Electronic Calculators Enter American Life

This talk explores the history of the handheld electronic calculator in American culture, as suggested by an ongoing examination of surviving examples in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution. During the first half of the 1970s, with the advent of inexpensive microprocessors, the electronic calculator became a commonplace. Arithmetic, which had been regarded by nineteenth century mathematicians such as Frederick P. Barnard of Columbia University as “toil of pure intelligence,” could be performed routinely by instruments that cost only a few dollars. In the 1980s, with the advent of programming graphing calculators, the new technology attracted the attention of college and university mathematics teachers, and inspired discussions of curriculum reform.

Directions: Villanova University is located on route 30, Lancaster Avenue, just east of I-476. If you drive to the meeting, enter Villanova by the main gate on Ithan Avenue, just north of Lancaster Avenue (route 30), opposite the Pavilion. Tell the guard you are attending the History of Mathematics Seminar. Ask for directions either to the Mendel Lot, where there is limited parking around the greenhouse, or to the St. Augustine lot. From the Mendel Lot, pass under the arch of Mendel Hall and turn left, follow the sidewalk with Mendel Hall on your left. The next building on your left is the Saint Augustine Center. Enter the building, proceed to the rear and take the elevator to the third floor. Exit to the right, then turn left; Room 300 is directly on the opposite side of the building. From the St. Augustine Lot enter the Center via the doorway at the end of the lot. Turn right and follow the hallway to the elevators; take the elevator to the third floor. Follow the directions to Room 300 as above. You can get in touch with me (Alan Gluchoff) at 610-905-1376 if you need help.

Public transportation: Take SEPTA's Paoli - Thorndale train to the Villanova station. If outbound from center city go down through the tunnel to the inbound side. From the inbound platform a few steps lead to the Mendel parking lot. Proceed as above to Saint Augustine 300.