A Demonstration Binary Adder

Extract

Nowadays, when so much computing is done with the use of the binary scale, it is arguable that some knowledge of binary arithmetic should be part of the mathematical equipment of the normal grammar-school pupil. The basic electric circuits for binary addition are comparatively simple, and a satisfactory machine for demonstrating the principles can be constructed with standard multiple switches and a flash-lamp battery and bulbs. In the U.S.A. the progressive firm of Berkeley Enterprises, Inc., of Newtonville Mass. has popularized “Geniac” kits from which various simple computing devices can be manufactured from interchangeable components. I am indebted to the Geniac Manual for some of the basic circuits I have used, though I have modified them considerably