Abstract: A method for a customer to anonymously purchase goods or services from an on-line merchant, including the steps of depositing currency in the form of cash with a depository, the depository issuing to the customer one or more randomly-generated serial numbers, the customer submitting at least one serial number to the on-line merchant and the depository transferring an amount of said currency corresponding to said at least one serial number to an account of said on-line merchant. Since the customer uses cash for payment and the serial numbers are randomly-generated, the customer's identity remains anonymous.

Abstract: An electronic digital calculator, the calculator being in the form of an elongated tubular body having a size and shape similar to a pen or pencil and having a plurality of input valve setting keys and function keys carried on its surface as well as illuminable "read-out", or display, screen. The value setting keys and the function keys are arranged on the surface of the tubular body such that the calculator can be used while held in one hand of the user.