Tales of Electrologica: Computers, Software and People

In the 1950s, Electrologica manufactured computers in series, including the X1 and X8, which were used in mathematical research and became legends in Dutch computing. This book explores the history of Electrologica, including the contributions of professionals who worked with the machines, the values of an ALGOL culture, and early steps in AI. It also discusses the contrasting views on software in Dutch research traditions and the retrieval of a copy of the X8 from Kiel, Germany, and its display at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, Leiden.

Format: Hardback
Length: 201 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

In the 1950s, manufacturing computers in series was a remarkable feat, requiring a deep understanding of mathematics. The machines discussed, namely the X1 and X8, were the pinnacle of technological innovation at the time. Electrologica, a company with a strong background in mathematical research, became a legend in Dutch computing thanks to this industrial achievement. This book delves into the stories of the professionals who worked with these machines, providing a firsthand account of their pioneering work.

Paul Klint discusses the contrasting views on software within Dutch research traditions. Frans Kruseman Aretz takes readers on a journey through the intricate decisions involved in constructing compilers, highlighting the values of an ALGOL culture. Dirk Dekker introduces his algorithm for mutual exclusion, a crucial component in computer science. In the field of particle physics, René van Dantzig showcases the use of an Electrologica X8 computer to control two other computers in a three-dimensional detection of colliding particles.

Lambert Meertens shares the tale of the X8 machine composing a violin quartet, accompanied by his original presentation and the code written in ALGOL 60. The reflections of first-hand experiences blend seamlessly with the second thoughts of historical research into archival sources. Historians Huub de Beer and Gerard Alberts offer a glimpse into the boardrooms of Electrologica and the electronics multinational Philips, shedding light on the often implicit decisions that shaped the field.

Fortunately, a copy of the X8 was retrieved from Kiel, Germany, and put on display at the Technische Universität Darmstadt. This rare artifact provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and historians to explore the history and legacy of these remarkable machines. The book serves as a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the Dutch computing industry during the 1950s and beyond.

Weight: 489g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031130328
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023