William Seward Burroughs

Biography

William Seward Burroughs (1857–1898) was an American inventor whose mechanical innovations transformed business and accounting practices. Despite his brief life, he made an indelible mark on industrial technology through his pioneering work in calculating machinery.

Burroughs invented the mechanical adding and listing machine, a revolutionary device that dramatically improved the speed and accuracy of financial calculations. In 1896, he founded the American Arithmometer Company, which later became the Burroughs Corporation, a major manufacturer of office equipment. His invention became an essential tool in businesses worldwide, establishing a legacy that extended far beyond his lifetime.