Calculating Instruments and Machines

This 1950 book aimed to provide a general introduction to contemporary developments in the field of calculating instruments and machines.

Douglas R. Hartree (Author)

9781107630659, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 September 2012

150 pages
24.4 x 17 x 0.8 cm, 0.25 kg

Originally published in 1950, this book was based on a short series of lectures given by the author at the University of Illinois in 1948. Aimed at the non-specialist, the chief aim of the text was to provide a general introduction to contemporary developments in the field of calculating instruments and machines. But there is some treatment of the historical side of the subject, with appreciation shown for the vision and foresight of key pioneers Charles Babbage and Lord Kelvin. This is a concise and informative volume that will be of value to anyone with an interest in the development and history of computation.

1. Introduction
2. The differential analyser
3. The differential analyser and partial differential equations
4. Some other instruments
5. Introduction to large automatic digital machines
6. Charles Babbage and the analytical engine
7. The first stage of development
8. Projects and prospects
9. High-speed automatic digital machines and numerical analysis
References
Names index
Subject index.

Subject Areas: History of mathematics [PBX]