UCLA’s 1948 mechanical computer was gorgeous to watch in action

by Laura Domela

The mechanical computers of yesterday may have been enormous, difficult to program, and amazingly clunky—but they sure were beautiful to watch in action. Released theatrically byPopular Science on August 6, 1948, this short film played before Paramount Pictures movies and demonstrated to the public how computers were freeing “research of old limitations” and provided “stimulus for unprecedented technical advancements.” For those watching in darkened theaters, though, it was mostly just gorgeously choreographed machinery.
via Paleofuture

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UCLA’s 1948 mechanical computer was gorgeous to watch in action

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