Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Computing: 1617



Napier's bones were a series of rods which could be used to perform mathematical functions. Here's what a biographer, writing in 1787, had to say about them:
Napier's arithmetical machines and those afterwards invented, a few of which we shall enumerate, although the monuments of genius, must, in general, be regarded as mathematical curiosities of no use.
--From An account of the life, writings, and inventions of John Napier--

1 comment:

Trooper York said...

Hey the first Rubiks cube. Cool.