Description
Book Synopsis: The hidden history of the pocket calculator―a device that ushered in modern mathematics, helped build the atomic bomb, and went with us to the moon―and the mathematicians, designers, and inventors who brought it to life.
Starting with hands, abacus, and slide rule, humans have always reached for tools to simplify math. Pocket-sized calculators ushered in modern mathematics, helped build the atomic bomb, took us to the bottom of the ocean, and accompanied us to the moon. The pocket calculator changed our world, until it was supplanted by more modern devices that, in a cruel twist of irony, it helped to create. The calculator is dead; long live the calculator.
In this witty mathematic and social history, Keith Houston transports readers from the nascent economies of the ancient world to World War II, where a Jewish engineer calculated for his life at Buchenwald, and into the technological arms race that led to the first affordable electronic pocket calculators. At every turn, Houston is a scholarly, affable guide to this global history of invention. Empire of the Sum will appeal to math lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking to understand our trajectory to the computer age.
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Unlock the secrets of the pocket calculator with Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator! This captivating book takes you on a journey through the hidden history of the pocket calculator, revealing how it revolutionized mathematics and played a crucial role in major scientific advancements. From the abacus to the slide rule, humans have always relied on tools to simplify math, but it was the pocket calculator that truly changed the game. Its impact was so profound that it even helped build the atomic bomb and accompanied astronauts to the moon.
Discover the fascinating stories of the mathematicians, designers, and inventors who brought the pocket calculator to life. Author Keith Houston expertly guides you through the evolution of this ingenious device, spanning from ancient civilizations to World War II and the technological revolution that followed. Along the way, he shares captivating anecdotes and provides a scholarly, yet accessible, exploration of this global history of invention.
Whether you're a math enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about the origins of the technology we use today, Empire of the Sum is a must-read. Packed with full-color illustrations, this book will ignite your passion for discovery and deepen your understanding of our trajectory towards the computer age. Don't miss out on this captivating journey through the rise and reign of the pocket calculator!
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