Leibniz's Reckoning Machines

This lecture covers the development and reconstructions of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's reckoning machines from the 17th century to the present day, including the original and constructively altered reconstructions. It also explores the classical narratives on the functionality of Leibniz's machines and their faithful reconstruction. Additionally, it delves into the rediscovery and attempted repair of the machines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The lecture concludes with a discussion on the role of science, emphasizing that it should not be confined to a black box but rather approached from various interdisciplinary perspectives, such as sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and experimental history.