What was the original purpose for the binary system?

Question

Obviously computers weren't around when binary was first created... was there a particular use for binary back then or was it just developed as another number system?

Answer 1

From "Herrn von Leibnitz Rechnung mit null und eins" (Mister Leibnitz' computation with $0$ and $1$):

Diese Art zu rechnen wird nicht zu dem Ende angezeigt, daß man sie im gemeinen Gebrauch einführen solle, sondern nur allein, weil sie trefflich dienet zu neuen Erfindungen in Scientia numerorum (This method of computation is not indicated to the end of introducing it to general use, but only because it is very suitable for new discoveries in number theory).

He also relates to those "three-bit" chinese oracles