What are analogue computers?
Q: What are analogue computers?
A: Analogue computers are mechanical or electronic devices which solve problems and can be used to control machines.
Q: When was the abacus invented?
A: The abacus, a digital device also sometimes called a computer, was used by Babylonians in c. 2500 BC.
Q: Who developed the slide rule?
A: The slide rule was developed in the 17th century by William Oughtred, after John Napier's work on logarithms.
Q: How did James Watt's governor contribute to the industrial revolution?
A: James Watt's governor was critical for the industrial revolution as it was a negative feedback control for large pumps and engines.
Q: Are analogue computers digital or continuous data-based?
A: Analogue computers work with continuous data rather than discrete or digital data. They are like abstract models of the real world.
Q: Were wristwatches with circular slide rules common before 1960s/1970s?
A: Before the 1960s/1970s some wristwatches had a circular slide rule built in and they were mostly used in aviation but considered too technical for most other watch wearers.
Q: Has there been any notable applications of circular slide rules since then?
A: Since the middle 20th century, there have not been any notable applications of circular slide rules digitally.
