WEIZAC: An Israeli Pioneering Adventure in Electronic Computing (1945–1963)

WEIZAC: An Israeli Pioneering Adventure in Electronic Computing (1945–1963)
Author: Leo Corry
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 116
Release: 2019-08-16
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 3030257347

The book tells the unique story of WEIZAC, an early computer built by a “new nation” in the early 1950s. It was created in Israel, even though the feasibility of this project was actually close to null when it was initially conceived, in 1946, and, unlike most of the early computer projects, was privately financed mainly by the Jewish world community. The book draws on a wealth of documents and historical insights to reveal the processes and powers that led to the successful completion of the project and, as well as its actual impact on scientific activities in Israel, and on the rise of a local computing community. Based on archival data, the book shows how a synergy of personal dedication together with an organizational and national mission that links the Zionist vision with science and technology for the Jewish people helped to achieve a well-defined goal. The book offers intriguing insights and refreshing perspectives to all readers interested in the Zionist movement or in the history of computing.

Chaim L. Pekeris and the Art of Applying Mathematics with WEIZAC, 1955–1963

Chaim L. Pekeris and the Art of Applying Mathematics with WEIZAC, 1955–1963
Author: Leo Corry
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 130
Release: 2023-04-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3031271254

This book describes the groundbreaking work of Chaim Leib Pekeris and his collaborators. Between 1955 and 1963 they used the first electronic computer built in Israel, the Weizmann Automatic Computer (WEIZAC), to develop powerful numerical methods that helped achieve new and accurate solutions of the Boltzmann equation, calculate energy levels of the helium atom, produce detailed geophysical and seismological models derived from the study of the free oscillations of the earth, and refine models used to predict meteorological phenomena and global oceanic tides. This book provides a unique account of the pioneering work of Chaim L. Pekeris in applied mathematics and explains in detail the background to the rise of the Weizmann Institute as a world-class center of scientific excellence. This hitherto untold story is of great interest to historians of twentieth-century science with special emphasis on the application of computer-assisted numerical methods in various branches of mathematical physics.

Biographical Memoirs

Biographical Memoirs
Author: National Academy of Sciences
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 385
Release: 2004-12-16
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0309091837

Biographic Memoirs Volume 85 contains the biographies of deceased members of the National Academy of Sciences and bibliographies of their published works. Each biographical essay was written by a member of the Academy familiar with the professional career of the deceased. For historical and bibliographical purposes, these volumes are worth returning to time and again.

The Birth of Numerical Analysis

The Birth of Numerical Analysis
Author: Adhemar Bultheel
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2010
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 981283625X

The 1947 paper by John von Neumann & Herman Goldstine, 'Numerical Inverting of Matrices of High Order', is considered as the birth certificate of numerical analysis. Since its publication, the evolution of this domain has been enormous. This book collects contributions by researchers who have lived through this evolution.

Reḥovot

Reḥovot
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 136
Release: 1991
Genre: Science
ISBN:

Rehovoth

Rehovoth
Author: Mekhon Ṿaitsman le-madaʻ
Publisher:
Total Pages: 510
Release: 1982
Genre: Science
ISBN:

Treatise on Geophysics, Volume 7

Treatise on Geophysics, Volume 7
Author: David Bercovici
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 521
Release: 2010-05-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0444535802

Treatise on Geophysics: Mantle Dynamics, Volume 7 aims to provide both a classical and state-of-the-art introduction to the methods and science of mantle dynamics, as well as survey leading order problems (both solved and unsolved) and current understanding of how the mantle works. It is organized around two themes: (1) how is mantle convection studied; and (2) what do we understand about mantle dynamics to date. The first four chapters are thus concerned with pedagogical reviews of the physics of mantle convection; laboratory studies of the fluid dynamics of convection relevant to the mantle; theoretical analysis of mantle dynamics; and numerical analysis and methods of mantle convection. The subsequent chapters concentrate on leading issues of mantle convection itself, which include the energy budget of the mantle; the upper mantle and lithosphere in and near the spreading center (mid-ocean ridge) environment; the dynamics of subducting slabs; hot spots, melting anomalies, and mantle plumes; and finally, geochemical mantle dynamics and mixing. - Self-contained volume starts with an overview of the subject then explores each topic in detail - Extensive reference lists and cross references with other volumes to facilitate further research - Full-color figures and tables support the text and aid in understanding - Content suited for both the expert and non-expert

Computers in Society

Computers in Society
Author: Kathryn Schellenberg
Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin
Total Pages: 260
Release: 1995-11
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9781561344499