[SHANNON, CLAUDE (1916-2001)]. DE LATIL, PIERRE (b. 1905). Thinking by machine - a study of cybernetics. London: Sidgwick and Jackson, (1956). Offered with: FULLER, BUCKMINSTER (1895-1983) and ANWAR DIL (b. 1928). Humans in universe. New York: Mouton, (1983). FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH & FIRST EDITION. 8 vo. and large 8 vo. Orig. cloth, each with orig. dustjacket. De Latil: xiii, (1), 353 pp. + 8 photographic plates + a folding table. Fuller: 235 pp. + text photos and figs. PRESENTATION COPIES to the father of information theory and major figure in the advance of 20th century science and technology, Claude Shannon. The De Latil: pasted to the dustjacket and tipped to the title page is Houghton Mifflin's label with "In June" handwritten referring to the forthcoming American edition (June 1957). Laid in is a typed letter from Houghton Mifflin dated January 25, 1957 to Claude Shannon. It notes his recent Research Corporation Award and suggests he might be interested in reading De Latil's book which they have found "provocative". The letter informs Shannon that the original British edition was sent under separate cover (the present copy) and descriptive material (laid in) was being sent along with the letter. Fuller and Dil: Laid in is a typed letter to Shannon dated December 10, 1983 signed by Dil (Fuller had died July 1, 1983). The letter notes that their joint book, Fuller's last, had just come off the press and a copy is enclosed. In a paragraph in which Dil comments on Fuller he mentions that "Dr. Fuller regarded this as his important summing up statement." Dil writes of his planned Fuller biography, and solicits Shannon's thoughts on Fuller and on the enclosed book. Attached to the letter is a printed publisher's ad. Slight wear to the dustjackets; very good copies. When De Latil's book appeared in 1953, it was one of the first introductory books on cybernetics. Norbert Wiener described De Latil's book as "one of the really good popularizations of cybernetics". Buckminster Fuller, the famous American architect, systems theorist, designer, inventor, and visionary is especially well known for his designs of geodesic domes.

Seller Inventory # 913

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Thinking by machine - a study of cybernetics
Publisher: London: Sidgwick and Jackson
Publication Date: 1956
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition
Condition: Very Good
Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Store Description

The ANTIQUARIAN SCIENTIST (285 Main Road, Westhampton, MA 01027 USA; antiqsci@comcast.net), established in 1976, specializes in rare books in science, medicine, and technology. In addition, we offer antique scientific instruments, and appraisals and collection development in these specialty areas. Thus far we have published forty-two illustrated and annotated catalogues. We also co-published the print journal "Rittenhouse" which is devoted to the history of the scientific instrument enterprise in America. We are members of SNEAB and numerous professional societies relating to books, instruments, and the history of science and medicine. It has always been our policy to provide to our clients professional quality services.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Antiquarian Scientist, The
MA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Payment may be made by check or money order in US dollars, or by credit card through ABE Shopping Basket. We do not accept credit cards directly.
Shipping by Media Mail or Bound Printed Matter. Shipping by Priority Mail within the U.S.is based on your zip code. FOR BOOKS OF HIGHER VALUE, THERE WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL INSURANCE CHARGE. Shipping charge for outside the U.S. will be quoted upon receipt of order.
The Antiquarian Scientist is a registered Massachusetts sole proprietorship.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Payment Methods

Check Money Order PayPal Bank Draft

Add to Wants