Chapter 11 Thoughts

This post details my thoughts about chapter 11 of the textbook. This chapter covered Hollerith's invention of his tabulator, sorter, and pantographic punch, and also covered how the new technology was spread throughout the world. The first interesting point of the chapter was that Hollerith didn't just invent a single machine to carry out all of the tasks of processing the data. Instead he invented three machines intended to work together as part of a system. This approach is reminiscent of the setup of the modern computer, where the computer itself interacts with various I/O devices such as printers, etc. Another interesting point in the chapter was the speed at which Hollerith's devices were able to process data. It's amazing that a device whose purpose was to process paper cards was able to function without consistently ripping the cards, having the cards jam in the mechanism, and accidentally pulling in multiple cards at the same time. A final interesting point about the chapter was that private businesses were initially reluctant to accept the new technology. Business was booming in America during the late 1800's and early 1900's, and it seems strange that such competitive and enterprising businessmen would not have jumped at the chance to reduce cost and increase productivity so greatly.