"Modern Computing" in "Physics Today."
- Softcover
- Used



Seller: JF Ptak Science Books, Hendersonville, NC, U.S.A.JF Ptak Science Books
AbeBooks seller since June 28, 2016
Condition: Used - Very good
£ 194.93
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Richrmyer R.E. And N.C. Metropolis. "Modern Computing" in "Physics Today", 1949, vol 2 no. 10,m October 1949. Original wrappers Richtmyer/Metropolis on pp 8-15 in the issue of 40pp. Scarce! VG copy. [++] I'm not sure how to investigate this right off-hand, but I think that there is a special category in the history of art, subcat history of art and technology, subcat history of computer art, subcat using the image of the computer in art. The image above comes from the front cover of one of the early issues of the "new" Physics Today magazine (volume 2, number 10), in October 1949--it is the artwork of Paul Bond, who created this portrait of a juggler "on a matrix sheet used for plotting computor [sic] plug board diagrams", and is one of 11 such images. It illustrates an interesting article by pioneers R.D. Richtmyer and N.C. Metropolis ("Modern Computing"). Richtmyer/Metropolis have a very sober approach to the computer--mostly speaking about the ENIAC--and address its romance, possibilities, but seemingly (to me) most of all "a need for defining the limits of computing machine operation, as well as its promise". In effect, then, the authors really only address the known quantities of computing capacity in 1949, and even though tempted by looking into the future, they really do not. Their vision of the future is very pragmatic: when speaking to future applications, they conclude "by their very nature, these applications are not easy to foresee, and perhaps, therefore, this is the point at which this discussion should close". Certainly there have been much earlier images of automated steam-driven robots with some sort of calculating brain, and images of imaginative computer-like objects.but art made by the computer seems to come a fair bit later than this issue, later still than what might be considered the first art generated via the computer (which were images made from manipulating an oscilloscope) in 1952. In any event, I think at the very least that the Bond artwork is very curious, interesting, and probably very early for what it is. …
Seller Inventory # ABE-1702161433009
Bibliographic details
- Title
- "Modern Computing" in "Physics Today."
- Author
- Richrmyer R.E. And N.C. Metropolis.
- Publication year
- 1949
- Condition
- Very Good
- Binding
- Soft cover
- Item weight
- 12 ounces
- Seller catalogs
- Computing History
JF Ptak Science Books
Hendersonville, NC, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since June 28, 2016
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 4.54 | £ 10.22 |
Payment methods
- Invoice
- Paypal
Store description
We have been in business since 1985--including a store in Georgetown, D.C. from 1985-2002--specializing in significant and hard-to-find works in modern (say, after 1850) physics, math, astronomy, and technology, and other bits and bobs. Shipping notice for overseas parcels: customs, VAT, and all other shipping fees and add-ons are the responsibility of the buyer.
Specialty
ScienceSeller's business information
JF Ptak Science Books
NC, U.S.A.
Terms of sale
All items are offered with a seven-day return privilege.
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to JF Ptak Science Books, Hendersonville, North Carolina, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
We ship USPS priority unless otherwise specified and charge only for the exact cost of shipping. Overseas shipping depends upon the country of destination.