# Per Georg Scheutz

> Swedish inventor and businessman (1785-1873)

**Wikidata**: [Q964243](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q964243)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_Georg_Scheutz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/per-georg-scheutz

## Summary
Per Georg Scheutz was a Swedish inventor, engineer, and computer scientist (1785–1873) best known for co-developing the first programmable mechanical calculator, the *Scheutzian Arithmometer*, with his son Edward. His work laid early foundations for mechanical computing and industrial automation.

## Biography
- Born: 1785-09-23, Jönköping Municipality, Sweden
- Nationality: Sweden
- Education: Lund University
- Known for: Co-inventing the first programmable mechanical calculator
- Employer(s): Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
- Field(s): Computer science, engineering, industrial automation

## Contributions
Per Georg Scheutz and his son Edward developed the *Scheutzian Arithmometer* (1834–1854), a mechanical calculator capable of performing arithmetic operations automatically. This machine, installed at the Swedish General Statistical Office, demonstrated early mechanical computing principles. Though not as advanced as later designs, it proved the feasibility of programmable mechanical computation. Scheutz also worked as a translator, journalist, and printer, contributing to his versatility in the industrial and academic sectors.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Per Georg Scheutz’s most famous invention?
A: He co-invented the *Scheutzian Arithmometer*, the first programmable mechanical calculator, with his son Edward.

### Q: Was the Scheutzian Arithmometer successful?
A: Yes, it was installed at the Swedish General Statistical Office and demonstrated the potential of mechanical computing.

### Q: What other fields did Scheutz work in?
A: He was a translator, opinion journalist, and book printer, showcasing his interdisciplinary contributions.

### Q: How did Scheutz’s work influence computing?
A: His invention laid early groundwork for mechanical computing, though it was later surpassed by more advanced designs.

### Q: Where is Scheutz buried?
A: He is buried at Sankt Johannes kyrkogård in Stockholm, with his grave marked as #86071.

## Why They Matter
Per Georg Scheutz’s work on the *Scheutzian Arithmometer* was a pioneering step in mechanical computing, though it was overshadowed by later innovations. His collaboration with his son demonstrated early industrial automation. Though not as influential as later pioneers like Charles Babbage, Scheutz’s calculator proved the viability of programmable mechanical computation. His contributions highlight the intersection of engineering and computing in the 19th century.

## Notable For
- Co-invented the first programmable mechanical calculator (*Scheutzian Arithmometer*, 1834–1854).
- Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
- Recipient of the Royal Order of Vasa.
- Educated at Lund University.
- Buried at Sankt Johannes kyrkogård in Stockholm.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Per Georg Scheutz was born in 1785 in Jönköping Municipality, Sweden. He received his education at Lund University, where he developed an early interest in engineering and mechanical innovation.

### Invention of the Scheutzian Arithmometer
In collaboration with his son Edward, Scheutz designed the *Scheutzian Arithmometer*, a mechanical calculator capable of performing arithmetic operations automatically. Completed in 1854, the machine was installed at the Swedish General Statistical Office, demonstrating the feasibility of programmable mechanical computation.

### Professional Roles
Beyond invention, Scheutz worked as a translator, opinion journalist, and book printer. His versatility spanned both industrial and academic fields, reflecting his adaptability in the 19th-century scientific landscape.

### Legacy and Recognition
Scheutz’s work was recognized with membership in the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Royal Order of Vasa. His contributions to mechanical computing, though not as influential as later designs, remain a landmark in early automation history.

### Death and Burial
Per Georg Scheutz died in 1873 in Stockholm and is buried at Sankt Johannes kyrkogård, with his grave marked as #86071. His legacy endures as a foundational figure in the history of computing.

## References

1. [Gravstensinventeringen](http://grav.genealogi.se/Gravsokview.php?g_id=86071)
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. SNAC
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. CERL Thesaurus
7. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/64jlh2vq3fk8xmb)