Columbia University Computing History   

Hollerith Type 3-S Tabulator

Hollerith Type 3-S Tabulator
Source: George W. Baehne, Practical Applications of the Punched Card Method in Colleges and Universities (1935) [91]

Hollerith (IBM) Type 3-S Tabulator, numeric only, mid-to-late 1920s. First model to include direct subtraction and regular negative number notation (as opposed to requiring users to write negative numbers in 9's complement): From Baehne:

The Direct Subtraction Tabulating Accounting Machine, Type 3-S is a multiple subtracting, adding, classifying, and printing machine which automatically produces complete printed reports from punched tabulating cards. It prints classifications, lists details, computes and prints totals, grand totals, and net balances.

An automatic control causes the machine to stop at the completion of each data group; the total and group indication are recorded, then the machine clears itself and starts on the next group. An Automated Plugboard eliminates the necessity of plugging the machine just before printing the reports.

This type of accounting machine is furnished in three models of various printing capacities -- 4, 5 and 7 printing banks -- all of which list from 75 to 120 cards a minute and tabulate from 75 to 150 cards a minute. It may be equipped with a summary punch.

Hollerith Type 3-S Tabulator
Type 3S tabulator, alphabetic. Source: ibid.

An alphabetic model was available too, shown at left.

The book is does not specify the model designation, but although it looks different from the 3-S, it also has a removable control panel, which, as far as I know was an innovation with the 3-S, as was direct subtraction. The alphabetic model tabulated at 150 cards per minute and printed at 80 cards per minute.

Click the image to magnify it.

Columbia University Computing History Frank da Cruz / fdc@columbia.edu This page created: 2004 Last update: 2 April 2021