# Wilhelm Schickard

> German astronomer, mathematician

**Wikidata**: [Q57403](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57403)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Schickard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wilhelm-schickard

## Summary
Wilhelm Schickard was a German astronomer and mathematician, best known as an early pioneer in computer science. He is credited with building the first functional mechanical calculator in 1623, predating Charles Babbage’s analytical engine by over a century.

## Biography
- Born: April 22, 1592, Herrenberg, Duchy of Württemberg
- Nationality: German
- Education:
  - Bebenhausen Abbey (1603–1606)
  - University of Tübingen (1606–1613)
- Known for: Designing the first mechanical calculator
- Employer(s): University of Tübingen (1619–1635)
- Field(s): Mathematics, astronomy, computer science

## Contributions
Wilhelm Schickard is most famous for constructing the first mechanical calculator in 1623, which he named the *Calculating Clock*. This device could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using mechanical gears and dials. His work laid the groundwork for modern computing, though his calculator was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War and was only rediscovered in the 20th century. Schickard also made contributions to astronomy, including observations of comets and the development of astronomical instruments.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Wilhelm Schickard’s most significant invention?
A: Schickard built the first mechanical calculator in 1623, known as the *Calculating Clock*, which could perform basic arithmetic operations.

### Q: Why is Schickard considered a pioneer in computer science?
A: His mechanical calculator predated Charles Babbage’s analytical engine by over a century, demonstrating early mechanical computing principles.

### Q: What happened to Schickard’s calculator?
A: The device was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War and was only rediscovered in the 20th century.

### Q: What other fields did Schickard work in?
A: He was also an astronomer, mathematician, and university teacher at the University of Tübingen.

### Q: How did Schickard’s work influence later developments in computing?
A: His calculator inspired later mechanical and electronic computing devices, though his work was largely forgotten until its rediscovery.

## Why They Matter
Wilhelm Schickard’s mechanical calculator is a landmark achievement in the history of computing, predating more famous early computers by centuries. His work demonstrated the feasibility of mechanical computation, influencing later inventors like Babbage and Leibniz. Schickard’s contributions highlight the early stages of mechanical engineering and computing, showing how far the field has progressed since his time. His rediscovery in the 20th century has helped revive interest in the history of computing, emphasizing the long and evolving nature of technological innovation.

## Notable For
- Designed the first mechanical calculator (1623), predating Babbage’s analytical engine by over a century.
- Rediscovered in the 20th century, reviving interest in early computing history.
- Contributed to astronomy, including observations of comets and astronomical instruments.
- Taught at the University of Tübingen, where he held a professorship in mathematics and astronomy.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Wilhelm Schickard was born on April 22, 1592, in Herrenberg, Duchy of Württemberg. He received his early education at Bebenhausen Abbey from 1603 to 1606 before enrolling at the University of Tübingen, where he studied under Michael Maestlin. His academic background in mathematics and astronomy laid the foundation for his later inventions.

### The Calculating Clock
In 1623, Schickard constructed the *Calculating Clock*, a mechanical device capable of performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The calculator used a series of gears and dials to process numerical inputs, demonstrating early mechanical computing principles. Despite its advanced design, the device was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War and was only rediscovered in the 20th century.

### Astronomical Contributions
Schickard made significant contributions to astronomy, including observations of comets and the development of astronomical instruments. His work in this field further established his reputation as a versatile scholar.

### Legacy and Influence
Wilhelm Schickard’s mechanical calculator is considered a precursor to modern computing, though his work was largely forgotten until its rediscovery. His contributions have influenced later inventors and engineers, highlighting the long history of mechanical computing. Schickard’s rediscovery has also sparked renewed interest in the history of computing, emphasizing the evolution of technological innovation over centuries.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
4. BnF authorities
5. LIBRIS. 2018
6. datos.bne.es
7. [Source](https://books.google.cat/books?id=VaREssJCc0YC&pg=PA13)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
12. Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Württemberg
13. Geneological database Merkel-Zeller
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Croatian Encyclopedia
16. Complete Dictionary of Scientific Biography
17. The Galileo Project
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Schickard%20Wilhelm)
20. CERL Thesaurus
21. Shakeosphere
22. Mathematics Genealogy Project
23. FactGrid