Computers & Business Machines

• Book, The Business Machines and Equipment Digest

  Description

  This is a detailed catalogued of business equipment available in 1927, compiled by a Chicago firm headed bty J. H. McCarthy.

  This copy of the book is from the Patent Library of the Marchant Calculating Machine Company.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1927

  maker

  Equipment Research Corporation

  ID Number

  1979.3084.160

  catalog number

  1979.3084.160

  nonaccession number

  1979.3084

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Book, Office Equipment Catalogue, First Annual Edition

  Description

  The full title of this catalogue well reflects its content. It is: Office Equipment Catalogue A Compilation of Condensed and Standardized Catalogue Data of Office Appliances and Devices, Furniture and Equipment, Office Supplies, Buisness Systems and Business Services, that contribute directly or indirectly to Office Efficiency, the uses of which are not obvious, with a General Directory of such Equipment, Materials, Systems and Services, Classified and Cross-Indexed, and A Book Section - Cataloguing and briefly describing a list of the Most Important Business Books selected by the Publishers, for the convenient reference of practising [sic] Accountants, Purchasing Agents, Systematizers and Office Executives." This copy of the book is from the Patent Library of the Marchant Calculating Machine Company.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1924

  maker

  Office Equipment Catalogue, Inc.

  ID Number

  1979.3084.159

  catalog number

  1979.3084.159

  nonaccession number

  1979.3084

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-20

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.06.01

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.06.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-21

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.07.11

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.07.11

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-19

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.47.03

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.47.03

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-20

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.08.11

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.08.11

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-20

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.03.01

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.03.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-19

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.47.05

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.47.05

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-20

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.21.04

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.21.04

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Sheets, Marchant MINIAC System for Business

  Description

  Long a manufacturer of calculating machines, the California firm of Marchant also ventured briefly into the production of electronic computers - one of the first companies in California to do so. This paper about Marchant's Miniac computer was delivered at the Joint Computer Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 1954, by George B. Greene, President of Marchant Research, Inc.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1954

  maker

  Greene, George B.

  ID Number

  1979.3084.116

  catalog number

  1979.3084.116

  nonaccession number

  1979.3084

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-20

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.04.02

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.04.02

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-21

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.07.02

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.07.02

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-31

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.19.04

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.19.04

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1948-02-02

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.28

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.28

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-21

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.07.08

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.07.08

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-20

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.04.03

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.04.03

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Electromechanical Computer Component, ASSC Mark I Functional Counter

  Description

  This is a component of the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), known otherwise as the Harvard Mark I. A large, heavy metal frame containing ten rows of electromechanical relays, two rows of embossed wheels, wires, part of a bus, and other components. A label on the object reads: FUNCTIONAL COUNTER.

  Location

  Currently on loan

  Date made

  1944

  maker

  IBM

  Harvard University

  ID Number

  MA.323578

  accession number

  248831

  catalog number

  323578

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-21

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.07.15

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.07.15

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-20

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.17.01

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.17.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• Schematic for the Computer System X-66744, Bell Telephone Laboratories

  Description

  The computing collection contains several schematics of the computer system X-66744, created by Samuel B. Williams and George Stibitz at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York City. Williams and Stibitz designed a series of six electromechanical relay computers between 1939 and 1949. The X-66744 was fifth in the series of computers, later called Models I through VI, which were deployed in defense efforts, including executing calculations for antiaircraft guns at federal agencies and military research hubs. This computer was one of two duplicate Model V versions created between 1946 and 1947. The Model V computers were sophisticated digital calculating machines that employed about 9,000 telephone relays for switching elements and paper tape for programming. They could perform multiple calculations using floating point numbers and contained a system for self-checking errors. The Model V represented the limits of what was possible with electromechanical relay technology for the time. Even though relays would fail intermittently, the self-checking system and ability to automatically switch to other calculations afforded the machine its reliable reputation and impressive track record for continuous around-the-clock operation.

  In 1946, the x-66744 was delivered to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in Langley Field, Virginia. Then, in 1958 it was given to Texas Technical College, although according to a 1963 article in The Bell System Technical Journal, the machine suffered extensive damage in that shipment and its parts were salvaged for the other Model V computer that was in operation at Fort Bliss, Texas and later New Mexico State University at Las Cruces before portions of it were acquired by NMAH. The article erroneously mentions that the latter computer was transferred to the University of Arizona rather than New Mexico State University. See the Model V (or Model 5) Control Panel in the NMAH collection (1987.0821.01).

  References:

  Andrews, E.G. “Telephone Switching and the Early Bell Laboratories Computers.” The Bell System

  Technical Journal 42:2 March 1963): 341 – 353.

  Ceruzzi, Paul. Reckoners: The Prehistory of the Digital Computer from Relays to the Stored Program

  Concept, 1935-1945 (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press 1983).

  Kidwell, Peggy and Paul Ceruzzi. Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian

  Institution Press, 1994).

  Millman, Sidney, Ed. A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: Communications Sciences

  1925-1980 (AT&T Bell Laboratories, 1984).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1947-03-20

  maker

  Bell Telephone Laboratories

  ID Number

  1983.3018.08.08

  nonaccession number

  1983.3018

  catalog number

  1983.3018.08.08

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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