This early 1959 cover article was entitled "Computers Speed Aircraft Design". If only they had any idea how quickly computers would speed our lives...it is right around this time that Marshall McLuhan is noting the impact of technology on our lives. Our collection includes a Heathkit ES-420 like the one that is pictured on the cover...as far as we know there are only 3 or 4 of these computers still in existence and ours is the only functioning one.

This type of analogy computer wasn't just used in the design of airplanes, it was used in the testing of airplanes too. The EAI TR-48s (also on display in our collection) were used by Boeing to test the structural strength of their planes, the flexibility and strength of the wings and the Load Alleviation and Mode Stabilization during test flights.

It was not unusual in 1950s to see a lovely young woman on the cover of an electronics magazine for what looked to be decorative purposes. Times change and now we might see Rear Admiral Grace Hopper who, in 1959, was working with others to break new ground in computing. The cover is marred by a small tear in the middle of the computer.