Computers—the machines we think with

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

72572

Title

Computers—the machines we think with

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

D.S. Halacy Jr. presents a visionary look at the electronic computer as a versatile tool for data processing and scientific computation. From government census work to industrial automation, this text explores how machines are reshaping society, law, and industry while addressing the challenges of automation.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Computers—The Machines We Think With,' D.S. Halacy Jr. chronicles the rapid ascent of electronic computers in the early 1960s, depicting their evolution from simple data processors to complex problem-solvers essential to modern society. The book details how these machines transitioned from novelty to critical infrastructure, serving 'Uncle Sam' in massive undertakings such as tax accounting, election forecasting, and urban renewal. Halacy illustrates the government's heavy reliance on computing, noting that by 1961, hundreds of federal agencies utilized systems like the UNIVAC I for processing census data and Social Security records, drastically reducing the time required to handle paperwork compared to manual methods. The narrative extends into the realm of automated justice, where legal experts grappled with questions regarding evidence preservation, liability for design defects simulated by computers, and the potential future of a fully mechanized court system. In industry, the text explores the shift from art to science in manufacturing, highlighting applications ranging from papermaking to automatic assembly lines. Halacy vividly describes the introduction of robots like Unimate, which could perform dangerous or repetitive tasks without fatigue, alongside advanced numerical control techniques that allowed machines to shape complex three-dimensional objects with precision. Beyond industry and government, the book examines educational innovations through teaching machines and the potential for fully automated buildings capable of monitoring temperature, humidity, and safety systems. The author also touches upon the societal implications of automation, including the 'tidal wave' effect on employment and the necessity for worker retraining. Through vivid examples involving IBM, UNIVAC, and other early machines, Halacy captures a pivotal moment in history where computers began to fundamentally alter human labor, decision-making, and daily life, promising unprecedented efficiency while raising profound questions about their role in society.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-08-19 20:55 UTC

Categories

• Technology
• Computers