how do i work an Arithma Addiator?

Question

i have an old, pre-calculator, device called an Arithma. At the bottom is says Addiator and Made in Germany. It's an adding/subtracting tool. there are 6 columns in one color, then two in another color to the right of those, and numbers 9-0 along the sides of each column. There are 2 sections of these, with one labeled Addition and the other Subtraction. There is a slender stick that fits in slots next to each number and moves the column. between the top section and the bottom section there are 6 holes, and the numbers change in those as the column are moved. i have tried to work it, but i guess i am moving the wrong columns, as the totals in the 6 holes are not what i expect them to be.

Answer 1

There aren't many of us left who are old enough to have used them. If you are adding 50, put the stylus in the '5' in the ten's column. If it's unpainted, pull it down until it stops. If it's painted, pull it up and hook the stylus around the loop. This automatically does the carry. Do the corresponding action in the lower section for subtraction. Try a few and watch what happens. A rather cool device.