Computer (occupation)

The term "Computer" as an occupation historically referred to a person, typically a woman, who performed complex mathematical calculations and computations by hand, often with the aid of mechanical calculators or other devices. This role was crucial in various fields such as astronomy, engineering, and ballistics before the advent of electronic computers.

Description

Human computers were responsible for carrying out laborious calculations, tabulating results, and identifying errors in data. Their work often involved solving differential equations, creating mathematical tables, and performing statistical analyses. The accuracy and reliability of their calculations were paramount, as the results were used to inform important decisions in science and engineering.

Historical Context

The occupation of "Computer" gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries, driven by the increasing demand for accurate calculations in scientific and technical fields. Large groups of human computers were often employed by government agencies, research institutions, and universities. Notable examples include the Harvard Computers, a group of women employed by Harvard Observatory to analyze astronomical data, and the computers employed by the U.S. Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory during World War II.

Decline and Evolution

The emergence of electronic computers in the mid-20th century gradually replaced human computers in most fields. Electronic computers could perform calculations much faster and more accurately, rendering the occupation of human computer largely obsolete. However, the legacy of human computers remains significant, as their work laid the foundation for the development of modern computing and demonstrated the importance of accurate and reliable computation in scientific and technological progress. The term "computer" then shifted its meaning to refer to the electronic machines that displaced the human workers.