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I wonder if we got sent back to early modern period technology how much computing would be possible that didn't depend on access to semiconductors. Would glass-
by BoxOfRain 4y ago
I wonder if we got sent back to early modern period technology how much computing would be possible that didn't depend on access to semiconductors. Would glass-blowing and metallurgy be good enough to make thermionic valves (tubes) for example? Would water-wheels, animal power, and perhaps crude steam engines be enough to power them?
- ansible 4y agoIt is understandable to want to avoid silicon doping tech, because that requires a substantial industrial base. But you could still try bootstrapping via germanium transistors.
- Qem 4y agoIt's often said slide rules were enough to put men in the moon, computation-wise. Pretty doable with ancient technology.