Linguist Forum

General Linguistics => Linguist's Lounge => Linguistics Links => Topic started by: jkpate on November 16, 2014, 01:40:31 AM

Title: A mechanical computer from 100 years ago for Fourier analysis
Post by: jkpate on November 16, 2014, 01:40:31 AM

Hello,

I just happened across this short youtube documentary (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0INsTTU1k2UYO9Mck-i5HNqGNW5AeEwq) about Albert Michelson's mechanical computer (from 100 years ago or so) for Fourier analysis, using gears, wires, cams, levers, and so forth. The documentary uses a restored version that has sat at the University of Illinois, and I think provides a great tactile illustration of what is going on with Fourier analysis. Plus, it's just super cool!