Early Computing Devices

"For the purpose of acquainting the cadets wit the various mechanical devices used as aids in performing calculations they have received instruction in the use of the slide rule and of several calculating machines. The required use of the slide rule in the solution of the problems in connection with the daily lessons had given to a large part of the class a satisfactory facility in the use of this instrument. An arithmometer, one of the best of the calculating machines, has been purchased for the use of the department [of Ordnance and Gunnery]. This machine, together with other machines of like nature in the possession of the other academic departments, has been a subject of instruction." [Superintendent's Report, 1905, p. 41]

1979

This was the first class to be issued calculators.