Automatic Calculating Machines. Reprinted from the Mathematical Gazette, December 1950. Vol. XXXIV, No. 310.

The uncommon offprint of this overview of the history and design of calculating machines, including Babbage's Analytical Engine, the Harvard Mark I, and EDSAC. Not in Hook and Norman's Origins of Cyberspace. In addition to his significant contributions to ballistics and quantum theory, British mathematician Douglas Hartree (1897-1958) was a leader in efforts to automate scientific calculations. He was 'involved in the development of the digital electronic computer, which emerged from wartime attempts to automate calculation further. In 1946 Hartree's advice was sought in the application of the United States army's ENIAC (electronic numerical integrator and computer) to the production of ballistic tables' (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography). 10-page offprint, 2 double-sided plates from photographs, diagrams within the text, a little mild creasing to contents; original green wrappers printed in black, wrappers a little toned at the edges and lightly rubbed with a few small marks, excellent condition. …