Calculating Machines: Recent And Prospective Developments And Their Impact On Mathematical Physics

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1947. First Edition. Original Wraps. Very Good in Wraps. First Edition. Original Wraps. First printing of Hartree's famous inauguration speech, as issued. "[T]he first booklet on electronic computers separately published by a conventional publisher, and also one of the earliest discussions of how these machines could be used in scientific calculations ... Hartree reported his experiences with ENIAC and touched upon the possible future applications of large general-purpose computers in science, medicine and economics". [Origins of Cyberspace 649]
This work marks tipping point between computers being an academic and scientific curiosity to a tool which would revolutionize scientific research and the world as a whole. "This can be seen as the start of Hartree's work on bringing computers and their potential to the attention of the scientific community." [Dictionary of Scientific Biography].
[N.B. Published in 1947, there is an interesting question as to whether Hartree knew of the classified work done at Bletchley park and the creation and use of the Colossus machines for code-breaking purposes...however, he certainly moved in social and scientific circles which suggest he might.] Uncommon generally, scare as issued and found here. Cloth tape reinforcing spine, ownership signature at front wrapper, stamped number at bottom right for title page, two-hole punched, holes neatly covered on front and back cover by cloth tape, else tight, bright, and unmarred. Original light brown wraps, dark red ink lettering. 12mo. 40pp. Illus. [b/w plates]. References.