Now this is maybe a book that's worth $153.
Electronic Analog Computers (Second Edition, Hardcover)
Subtitle: D-c Analog Computers
Granino A. Korn, Ph.D. and Theresa M. Korn, M.S.
McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1956 (Original copyright 1952)
The lower-case 'c' is actually how its used in the book and the subtitle.
Here's the first couple paragraphs from the preface of the book:
D-c analog computers are relatively simple electronic devices now
commonly in use to solve a variety of problems in applied mathematics and
engineering design. The application of such computers to the simulation
of modern automatic control systems has been particularly successful; but
some acquaintance with d-c analog techniques can benefit almost any
engineer or research worker, no matter what his special field may be. A
d-c analog representation of a problem does not merely furnish needed
numerical data. It often seves as a working model which helps to close
the gap between physical intuition and exact analysis.
The continuing remarkable progress in the related fields of electronic
computers, instruments, and controls has led naturally to the preparation
of a new, completely revised edition of _Electronic Analog Computers_.
The greater part of the book has been entirely rewritten. We have
attempted to carry out our original purposes, namely
1. To acquaint research and development workers with tried methods for
the application of d-c analog computers as computing aids and
simulators, and with the possibilities and limitations of such
equipment;
2. To present a comprehensive body of up-to-date design information
on computer components and systems.
We believe that such information is of particlar interest to scientists
and engineers engaged in the development of instruments and industrial
control devices.
***
There are also pictures and descriptions in here of computers that I have
never even heard of, such as the Curtiss-Wright analog computer (CURTIAC);
the Berkeley EASE (Electronic Analog and Simulation Equipment) computer
made by the Berkeley Division of Beckman Instruments, Inc.; the Electronic
Associates Precision Analog Computing Equipment (PACE); the Goodyear
Electronic Differential Analyzer (GEDA) made by Goodyear Aircraft
Corporation; and the Reeves Electronic Analog Computer (REAC) made by
Reeves Instrument Corporation, New York City.
Also:
[A picture of a Donner Scientific analog computer]
A complete table-top d-c analog computer priced just below $1,000. The
unit comprises ten operational amplifiers, power supplies, all necessary
controls, and a removable problem board. Multipliers and function
generators are available as accessories (Donner Scientific Co.).
[A picture of a Heath analog computer]
This complete 15-amplifier machine is available as a do-it-yourself kit
for less than $1,000. The amplifier tubes are top-mounted to minimize
heating of components. The 30 coefficient-setting potentiometers are set
by comparison with a built-in precision voltage divider which is also
available for gain measurements (Heath Co.).
Wow.
The book is in excellent shape, save for the damn price written in grease
pencil on the inside cover thanks to the stupid thrift store pricer.
Sam Alternate e-mail: dastar_at_siconic.com
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Don't blame me...I voted for Satan.
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[Last web page update: 04/13/98]
Received on Fri Apr 17 1998 - 17:51:11 BST