Casio was an early pioneer in the field of electric and electronic calculators, creating devices that could perform basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These four-function calculators, though remarkable engineering achievements, were primarily suited for straightforward calculations. They were available either as a kit to be assembled by the buyer or as a pre-assembled device. The initial number on these calculators was entered using a stylus and pulling it downwards against a digit scale, which would then display the number in the central window.
The Casio Mini, introduced in the early 1970s, was a significant advancement in the world of low-cost, hand-held electronic calculators. These devices ranged from small, easily portable pocket calculators to larger desk calculators with more prominent, user-friendly buttons. Calculators come in various forms, such as pocket-sized for on-the-go use and desktop versions for stationary work. A notable example is the Casio HS-8VA-WK-UP, a large 8-digit pocket calculator that includes functions like square root and sign changing, making it a versatile tool for both educational and professional settings.
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The first pocket calculator, the Curta, is not only known for its compact design but also for its remarkable history, having contributed to the survival of its creator, Curt Herzstark, during World War II. Post-war, it became a crucial device for professionals in engineering and accounting. In 1972, Casio broke new ground with a pocket scientific calculator capable of computing transcendental functions, propelling the field of handheld computation forward.
The evolution of calculators continued with programmable models, such as the Sinclair Cambridge Programmable introduced in 1975. Texas Instruments, with a team led by Jack Kilby, also made significant contributions by developing the first hand-held electronic calculator, marking a new era in computational tools that have since supported scientific advancements and explorations from the depths of the oceans to the surface of the moon.
