The device in question is an electronic calculating machine, specifically a printing calculator model manufactured by Sharp. This type of machine is characterized by its ability to perform arithmetic operations and subsequently print the results onto a paper tape. Its primary function is to provide a record of calculations, enhancing accuracy and facilitating auditing.
The importance of such a machine lies in its ability to improve efficiency in accounting, bookkeeping, and other numerical tasks. The printed record offers a verifiable trail, reducing the likelihood of errors and enabling easy review of financial transactions. Historically, these printing calculators bridged the gap between manual computation and the advent of fully computerized accounting systems.
