Pre-electronic computing

Abstract

This paper outlines the grand narrative of pre-electronic computing by briefly reviewing the evolution of pre-electronic technologies and devices. A shift is made from a technocentric view to a user-centred approach that identifies four main threads which underpin traditional accounts. A map of how these combine to inform the accepted canon is offered. Entwined with the account are the contributions made by Brian Randell to the history of computing both as a field of study and to its specific content. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.