*[Technology] Designer of the First American Commercial Computer, J. Presper Eckert's Corrected Copy of a Speech on Computing

"...new thoughts have been coming in much more slowly in the last 10 years than they did in the first 10 years of computers, we are not yet at a plateau..."

Denver, Colorado, March 23, 1967. 17 leaves. Typescript speech, on rectos only. Each sheet, 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (292 x 216 mm). Titled, "The Computer - A Bridge From Nanoseconds to Seconds", given by J. Presper Eckert, Vice President of UNIVAC, a Division of the Sperry Rand Corporation, at a meeting of the Mile High Chapter Data Processing Management Association. Annotated throughout in pencil and in ink, with notes and emendations. Lightly creased; scattered light ink stains; Old paperclip at top left, with associated stains; small closed tear to right margin of last page.

Computer pioneer J. Presper Eckert's corrected copy of a 1967 speech given before a chapter of the Data Processing Management Association.

Eckert (1919-1995), along with physicist John Mauchly (1907-1980), developed the first general purpose computer in 1945 (ENIAC). The two worked together on subsequent integrations of the invention including the BINAC and UNIVAC I. Together they founded the Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation which was fundamental in developing key computer concepts such as nesting, subroutines, and stored programming. Their work would contribute to the worldwide explosion of technological advancements in computing in the late 1940s and early 1950s. However, they soon fell on hard economic times, and the company was sold to Remington Rand, who later merged with the Sperry Corporation, forming Sperry Rand.

A fascinating piece of technological history from one of the fathers of computer engineering.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

[Technology] Designer of the First American Commercial Computer, J. Presper Eckert's Corrected Copy of a Speech on Computing*

How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

*[Technology] Designer of the First American Commercial Computer, J. Presper Eckert's Corrected Copy of a Speech on Computing

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup

[Technology] Designer of the First American Commercial Computer, J. Presper Eckert's Corrected Copy of a Speech on Computing*