Chapter-2计算机科学技术史.ppt

Chapter 2 Explores the Computing Machine 2.1 The Invention of the Abacus The first actual calculating mechanism known to us is the abacus, which is thought to have been invented by the Babylonians sometime between 1,000 BC and 500 BC, although some experts are of the opinion that it was actually invented by the Chinese. The word abacus comes to us by way of Latin as a mutation（变化）of the Greek word abax. Regardless of the source, the original concept referred to a flat stone covered with sand (or dust) into which numeric symbols were drawn. The first abacus was almost certainly based on such a stone, with pebbles being placed on lines drawn in the sand. Over time the stone was replaced by a wooden frame supporting thin sticks, braided（辫子形的）hair, or leather thongs（皮带）, onto which clay beads or pebbles with holes were threaded. Two Main Types A variety of different types of abacus were developed, but the most popular became those based on the bi-quinary（五进制） system, which utilizes a combination of two bases (base-2 and base-5) to represent decimal numbers. Although the abacus does not qualify as a mechanical calculator, it certainly stands proud as one of first mechanical aids to calculation. A Primitive Calculator In Asia, the Chinese were becoming very involved in commerce with the Japanese, Indians, and Koreans. Businessmen needed a way to tally（计算） accounts and bills. Somehow, out of this need, the abacus was born. The abacus is the first true precursor（先驱） to the adding machines and computers which would follow. 2.2 John Napier’s Bones In the early 1600s, a Scottish mathematician called John Napier invented a tool called Napier’s Bones, which were multiplication tables inscribed（记录） on strips（条） of wood or bone. John Napier John Napier was a famous Scottish theologian（神学家） and mathematician who lived between 1550 and 1617.? He spent his entire life seeking knowledge, and working to devise better ways of doing everything from growing crops to performing mathem