I've really been enjoying this book called Code. In it, the author, walks though the history of how humans were able to make machines that follow instructions. It begins with a discussion on the telegraph, both talking about the amazing way in which we can encode information in dots and dashes as well as the properties of electricity that make the device work. He continues though topics such as non-decimal number systems, logic gates, boolean algebra, circuit diagrams, braille, and UPC codes. Ever since i started playing with GIF files i've become interested in lower level computer operations. It brings together a lot of the things that are interesting me right now. It makes me really want to make my own electrical device of some sort. I think i might stop by a Radio Shack this weekend just to see what's there. It would be even more fun to make some sort of mechanical adding machine with a large wheel you have to crank to perform calculations. Retro-tech is cool.
Normally i wouldn't say such nice things about a book until i've finished it; i'm only about half way thought it. However, even if the rest is lousy, what i've read so far has been entertaining enough to give me a favorable impression.
Posted by Matthew at February 8, 2005 10:20 PM