Object ID:
1992.369
Title:
Cranmer Abacus prototype
Creator:
Cranmer, Terrence V.
Description:
The frame is made of black polystyrene. Abacus has red felt backing, white plastic beads, and 13 metal rods. Each rod holds 1 bead above the divider bar and four beads below. There are raised unit markers on the divider bar and at the bottom of the frame. "A.P.H." appears at the top of the frame in raised letters.
Dimensions:
H-3 W-5.625 D-0.5 inches
Date:
ca. 1963
Made by:
American Printing House for the Blind
Place of Origin:
Louisville, KY
Collection:
APH Collection
Provenance:
"The Cranmer Abacus was developed by Terrence V. Cranmer and was first produced by APH in 1963. The modifications made by Cranmer--spherical beads used as counters and adequate bead travel allowed for easy reading, and felt backing to hold the beads in position--allowed blind users to attain calculating skills superior to other math aids." --exhibit label.
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Prototype Cranmer Abacus
Prototype Cranmer Abacus