Related Object Info
IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC)- Harvard Mark I
href="http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/markI/markI_feeds.html" target="_blank">Feeds, Speeds, and Specifications: ASCC Major Units
has a detailed description of the machine from left to right:
"The ASCC consisted of seven major units. From left to right (as one faced the machine), they were:
"Two sections for 60 constants: the dial switches for setting up known values for use as required in the computation of problems.
"Seven sections containing 72 storage counters: Used for storing intermediate results utilized in mathematical processes up to the machine's capacity of 23 digits, and also used in addition, subtraction and accumulation.
"Three sections containing the multiplying-dividing unit: Used a new system of multiplying and dividing through use of the nine multiples of the multiplicand and divisor. It multiplied and divided to the full capacity of the machine of 23 digits.
"Two sections of functional counters: Controlled interpolation of functions and computed logarithms, anti-logarithms, trigonometric functions and printing.
"Three sections of interpolators: tape feeding mechanisms which automatically selected values required in the interpolation process.
"One section for sequence control: Directed the machine's operation in the solution of a problem.
"And at the very right-end of the machine:
"One section containing the Electromatic Typewriters, card feeds and summary card punch. The typewriters recorded the final solution of the problem in printed form. The card feeds automatically fed into the ASCC various data necessary to solve the problem. And the card punch automatically recoded data pertinent to the solution."
