What is the first computer?

From: Phil Beesley <PB14_at_leicester.ac.uk>
Date: Wed Jun 17 10:33:13 1998

On 17 Jun 98 at 9:17, Jeff Kaneko wrote:

> <SNIP>
>
> > I think there was an automated loom that was invented in the 17th century
> > that wove a pattern based on a template, but I don't recall if this was a
> > hole punch reader, a specially shaped gear, or other apparatus. It did
> > exist though. Although most definitely not a computer as we see them today,
> > it did take a program for input, process it, and output it in the form of
> > fabric. (I think this was right before CGA was made a standard...)
>
> I remember seeing a picture of this machine-- it was a link-belt of
> cards in a loop, with holes punched through them. They would pass by
> this 'reader' thingie which would 'read' the card with a matrix of
> metal rods poking through the holes.

According to the dictionary I just scrounged:
Jacquard (noun) Apparatus with perforated cards to facilitate weaving
of figured fabrics.
Received on Wed Jun 17 1998 - 10:33:13 BST