William Oughtred contribution in developing computer was the slide rule which is based on the emerging work on logarithms by John Napier.
Before the advent of the pocket calculator, it was the most commonly used calculation tool in science and engineering.
the computer
He did not invent any computer, a computer is capable of automating a calculation without human assistance.What he did invent was the sliderule, an analog mechanical calculation aid. He was most likely after a faster way to do multiplication and division, as that is the main thing a sliderule does.
in the 1600's
William Oughtred was an English mathematician and inventor best known for creating the slide rule in the 17th century. His design allowed for the rapid calculation of multiplication, division, and other mathematical functions using logarithmic scales, which significantly advanced computational tools of his time. Oughtred also contributed to the development of mathematical notation, including the use of symbols for multiplication and division, which laid groundwork for modern mathematical expressions. His innovations were pivotal in the evolution of engineering and scientific calculations prior to the advent of electronic computers.
The slide rule, also known as a slipstick, is a mechanical analog computer. The slide rule is used primarily for multiplication and division, and also for "scientific" functions such as roots, logarithms and trigonometry, but does not generally perform addition or subtraction. William Oughtred and others developed the slide rule in the 1600sThere are pictures and information about slide rules at the Wikipedia article listed in the related links below.
the computer
Jeff Hawkins
William Oughtred was born on March 5, 1575.
William Oughtred was born on March 5, 1575.
William Oughtred died on June 30, 1660 at the age of 85.
William Oughtred died on June 30, 1660 at the age of 85.
an English mathematician
William Oughtred was born on March 5, 1575 and died on June 30, 1660. William Oughtred would have been 85 years old at the time of death or 440 years old today.
He did not invent any computer, a computer is capable of automating a calculation without human assistance.What he did invent was the sliderule, an analog mechanical calculation aid. He was most likely after a faster way to do multiplication and division, as that is the main thing a sliderule does.
the fuse
slide rule
william oughtreds