Re: Analog Computers

From: Bill Spight (bspight@pacbell.net)
Date: Fri Apr 13 2001 - 23:47:51 BST

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Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2001 15:47:51 -0700
From: Bill Spight <bspight@pacbell.net>
Subject: Re: Analog Computers
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    Dear J. R.,

    > There is no such thing as an "analog computer" and hypothesizing such an
    > imaginary structure is a useless waste of time.

    Here is an analog computer for solving a maze: a wooden model of the
    maze, with a stoppered hole at the goal, and the entrance closed off. To
    solve the maze, fill the model with water, float a piece of paper at the
    entrance and take out the stopper at the goal, allowing the water to
    drain. The path followed by the paper is the solution.

    I guess you are too young to remember when computers had "AC" at the end
    of their names. "AC" stood for "analog computer". They were not
    imaginary devices. ;-)

    Best,

    Bill

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