IBM ASCC-Mark I model 5 single coil
Date: circa 1944
Inventory Number: 1997-1-0237
Classification: Computer Part
Subject:
Maker: International Business Machines Corporation (1911-present)
User: Harvard Computation Laboratory (1944 - 1997)
Maker: Howard H. Aiken (1900 - 1973)
Maker: Benjamin M. Durfee (1897 - 1980)
Maker: Frank E. Hamilton (1898 - 1972)
Maker: Clair D. Lake (1888 - 1958)
User: Grace Murray Hopper (1906 - 1992)
User: Richard M. Bloch (1922 - 2000)
User: Robert V. D. Campbell (born 1916)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
6.4 x 8.8 x 6.9 cm (2 1/2 x 3 7/16 x 2 11/16 in.)
Bibliography:
A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator
Description:
Single coil, wrapped in a black tape. Coil is held within a metal frame. It is mounted on a black base consisting of a stack of insulating material. There is a series of silver pegs on either side of the coil. Black cords extend out of the coil on the left and right, and are attached to two screws on the base in front.
The underside of the base is cut away and covered with a clear plastic window. A label glued to the underside reads:
SAE 10/10
COIL 40E
10,000T - 3100 [ohms]
The underside of the base is cut away and covered with a clear plastic window. A label glued to the underside reads:
SAE 10/10
COIL 40E
10,000T - 3100 [ohms]
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
Historical AttributesProbably part of the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, commonly known as the Harvard MARK I.
According to a brochure published by IBM in 1945:
"The IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, an algebraic mechanism employing a unique automatic sequence control, is designed to solve, rapidly and accurately, practically any known problem in applied mathematics."
A detailed description of the history of MARK I, as well as how it works, can be found on the following website.
According to a brochure published by IBM in 1945:
"The IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, an algebraic mechanism employing a unique automatic sequence control, is designed to solve, rapidly and accurately, practically any known problem in applied mathematics."
A detailed description of the history of MARK I, as well as how it works, can be found on the following website.
Curatorial RemarksFrom tag: Model 5 Single Coil
ProvenanceOn March 13, 1997, the following instrument was picked up from the Howard H. Aiken computation Laboratory, 33 Oxford Street. The instrument was transferred to the Collection by Edward P. Jackson, Facilities Manager in the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The following instruments were on exhibition in the entrance area adjacent to IBM Mark I computer on the first floor of the Science Centre, Harvard University.
Published ReferencesOnline exhibit about the ASCC produced by the IBM corporate archives.