Introduction to ComputersHistory
IN THE BEGINNING
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2000 B.C.E : Abacus
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Counting assistant
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Still in use today
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~ 30 B.C.E. : Greek Planetarium & other devices
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Al-Kashi
(~ 1390 - 1450) - Lunar Eclipse Computer & other astronomical devices
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Galileo
(1564 - 1642) - Mathematics combined with
physics
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Great confluence of streams of
ideas Herman Goldstine
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Mathematics becomes language of
science
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Communication of scientific and
technological thought made practical
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John
Napier (1550 - 1617) In 1614 - Identified
logarithms and decimal points
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Click HERE
to
see a picture of 'Napier's Bones' - an aid to calculation
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Click HERE
for a brief explanation of how it functions
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William
Oughtred (1575 - 1660) In 1632 - Slide
rule developed
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Used through 1970's
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Need to keep track of decimal
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Doesn't run out of batteries or
need an electrical outlet
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Click HERE
to try an online slide rule simulation
A late model Decilon slide rule made by Keuffel & Esser
Co.
Click HERE
to continue