Computers & Business Machines

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.
The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers


-
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
-
Sheets, SAAL Assembler Coding Forms
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 2012.3060.17
- catalog number
- 2012.3060.17
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3060
- 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
-
Pamphlet, SOBAX Solid State Calculator ICC-2500W Owner's Instruction Manual
- Description
- This spiral-bound pamphlet describes in English the operation of the Sony SOBAX ICC-2500W desktop electronic calculator.
- For a related object, see CI*334390.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1969
- maker
- Sony Corporation
- ID Number
- CI.313986.15
- catalog number
- 313986.15
- accession number
- 313986
- 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
-
Kaypro 2000 Documentation
- Description
- This documentation relates to the Kaypro 2000 microcomputer - accession 2017.0161.
- The documents include:
- --Software Package Licensing Information. Ten pages which contain the license agreements for Microsoft, Inc., Oasis Systems, Chang Labs, MicroPro International Corp., and Digital Research Inc. The donor filled out some of the forms but did not remove them to mail. Labels for the MicroPro software with the serial and version numbers are pasted into the document.
- --Addendum to the Kaypro 2000 User's Guide Utility Files, dated September 5, 1985.
- --How to Use WORDSTAR, MAILMERGE, and CALCSTAR on your MS-DOS Kaypro. Five pages, dated February 26, 1985.
- --Transferring Files From the Kaypro 16 to the Kaypro 2000. One page listing with 11 instructions and a diagram of a null modem cable configuration for 9 pin to 25 pin.
- --Computer Dynamics Work Order. Two pages listing the problem (system fails to boot), the parts required, and the cost of the repair.
- --Tech Notes. One page, with handwritten note from the sender who also marked the section on Serial Port Initialization.
- --Tech Notes. One page, first article is Technical Training.
- --Dealer Record. Small card with the purchaser information filled out. Date of sale is August 2, 1985.
- --Kaypro Invoice. Describes a computer repair completed on December 10, 1987. The $70 repair was covered under warranty.
- --Production Traveler. Builder sheet describing the components used in assembling the base unit, dated December 30, 1987.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1985-1987
- ID Number
- 2017.3105.01
- nonaccession number
- 2017.3105
- catalog number
- 2017.3105.01
- 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
-
Documentation, Calculator and Digital Clock S100 Bus Users Manual
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1977
- ID Number
- 2012.3060.37
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3060
- catalog number
- 2012.3060.37
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Leaflet, IBM System/360 Reference Data
- Description
- This green cardboard leaflet provides data on the IBM System/360 computer. It was used by the donor, programmer David A. Studebaker. It has form number X20-1. 03-3
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1966
- maker
- IBM
- ID Number
- 2014.3067.04
- nonaccession number
- 2014.3067
- catalog number
- 2014.3067.04
- 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
-
Documentation, IBM System/360 Conversions Aids: The 1401/1460 Emulator Program for IBM System/360 Model 40
- Description
- A set of sheets, with punched holes along the left side, printed by IBM in April, 1966, as Form C28-6561-3. In addition, there is an IBM Technical Newsletter from September 12, 1966 that amends this publication.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- IBM
- ID Number
- 2014.3067.07
- nonaccession number
- 2014.3067
- catalog number
- 2014.3067.07
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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