Available Quote by Maurice Wilkes
“A source of strength in the early days was that groups in various parts of the world were prepared to construct experimental computers without necessarily intending them to be the prototype for serial production. As a result, there became available a body of knowledge about what would work and what would not work.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Computer: A History of the Information Machine, 1972
Early experimental computer projects created a practical knowledge base, even without plans for mass production.
In simple terms: Early experiments built useful knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Leverage experimental learning.
Themes
innovation
knowledge sharing
technology development
Mood
inquisitive
reflective
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- R&D labs
- startup tech
- academic research
- open-source hardware
Key Concepts
computer science
experimental methodology
knowledge transfer
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance experimentation with market needs?
- What mechanisms ensure knowledge persists?
A Different Perspective
Experimental results may not scale to commercial products.
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![“Much of the early engineering development of digital computers was done in universities. A few years ago, the view was commonly expressed that universities had played their part in computer design, and that the matter could now safely be left to industry. [...] Apart from the obvious functions of…” quote by Maurice Wilkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd0/maurice-wilkes-46458_computer_much-of-the-early-engineering-developmen_2930501.jpg)
