June 8, 1887: Herman Hollerith Gets Patent for Punch Card Reader
June 8, 1887: Herman Hollerith gets Patent for Hollerith Punch Card Reader
1887 – Herman Hollerith is a pioneer. His creations in the 19th century were detrimental in modern computing. Herman Hollerith’s creations helped the United States create a Census. On June 8th he received a patent for a punch card reader, which was used in many fashions, including school attendance, for almost 100 years.
Hollerith’s Punch card system also has been at the point of controversy – IBM was sued using the Alien Tort Claims Act because Hollerith machines were used in the 1933 census. This ultimately gave Adolf Hitler a full list of Germans and Jews in Germany. It was so useful to the Nazis, apparently a machine was set at each concentration camp.
Full Day in Tech History podcast show notes for June 8
Subcribe to Day In Tech History:
RSS Feed - iTunes - Google Play
Twitter - Facebook
- RSS Bandwidth by Cachefly Get a 14 Day Trial
Be a Part of the Sconnie Geek Nation!
In Wisconsin, friends are called "Sconnies". Even if you're not from Wisconsin, you can be part of the Sconnie Geek Nation through my coverage! By pledging, you join the Geek Sconnie Nation! Plus, you help me cover costs so I can continue the coverage of Gadget tech, music tech, and geek culture through the shows.
- Intel introduces the 8086 processor
- Yahoo acquires Viaweb
- Apple introduces the iPhone 3GS
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe! Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS | More
