This historical study describes the development of braille and non-braille devices designed to aid the blind in arithmetic computations. Several such devices are described and evaluated. The author concludes that documentation of the development of arithmetic devices is unavailable, especially about the nature of 17th and 18th century devices known to have existed, and about the contribution of blind persons to the invention of arithmetic devices over the years. He observes that there has been a constant attempt to improve such devices, although sighted persons have sometimes hampered progress, and that computers provide the most recent devices used to help the blind. Recommendations include the development of better mental arithmetic systems, of better methods of teaching and using the abacus, and of inexpensive compact calculators for the blind, as well as assessment of the computational needs of the blind. Documentation of the development of arithmetic devices, providing teachers with up-to-date material, and studying the teaching of arithmetic in residential schools are also recommended. (SD)