-
Kepler's Rudolphine Tables
Johannes Kepler, the famed astronomer and mathematician, along with John Napier published a series of logarithmic tables of commonly used calculations to enable quicker math for bookkeepers. This was not a new concept, however, these were the first widely distributed and printed. -
Period: to
Tech Advancements
Heff's important technological advances through time -
Samuel Morse and the Telegraph
in 1837, Samuel Morse, a professor at NYU, lobbied to Congress to allow his design to be used to establish a communication line between New York and New Orleans. He was ultimately denied the contract and patented his idea for the telegraph machine in 1838. Eventually, in 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph line was completed, connecting the county through the use of Samuel Morse's technology. -
Scheutz Difference Engine
The Scheutz Difference Engine was purchased bu the Dudley Observatory in Albany in 1856. The importance of this, which was quickly overshadowed by smaller and cheaper versions, was that it was the worlds first printing calculator. -
Integrated Circuit/Semiconductor
Though contentious, Fairchild Semiconductor developed the first integrated circuit, containing transistors, capacitors, and resistors. These played an incredibly important role during the Cold War and development of the Minuteman II missiles, as they were integrated into the missile system to enable improved processing speed of the guidance computers. -
DTSS
The Dartmouth Time Sharing System was invented by undergraduate students at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and was the first system that enabled the use of the programming language BASIC. The importance of this is that it allowed multiple users the ability to edit and work on programs simultaneously. If you have knowledge of current cell phone operating procedures, time sharing is an incredibly important factor. -
Apple Computer
On a personal note, I am not a fan of Apple products, as they are too proprietary, however the important of the release of the Apple II computer and eventually the Macintosh, it enabled widespread distribution of computers for personal and home use.
