Advent of Computing Episode 1 - Folded Spindled and Mutilated
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Apr 9, 2019 Explore the historical importance and influence of punch cards in early computing, from their role in data storage to the evolution of tabulating machines. Discover how punch cards revolutionized the US census process and the development of IBM punch cards. Learn about the impact of user error on punch card machines, including their role in the controversial 2000 US presidential election.
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Bouchon's Loom
- Basile Bouchon's 1725 loom used punched cards to control textile weaving.
- This functioned as rudimentary program storage, automating output generation.
Jacquard Loom
- The 1804 Jacquard loom, refining Bouchon's design, wove complex patterns.
- An 1839 silk portrait of Jacquard himself required 24,000 punch cards.
1890 Census
- The 1890 US Census used Hollerith tabulating machines and punch cards.
- While simple, these machines significantly sped up census calculations.