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'Programmers' Handbook for Manchester Electronic Computer Mark II', n.d.

 File
MS. Eng. misc. b. 260/C.40
Held at the Weston Library

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'Programmers' Handbook for Manchester Electronic Computer Mark II', inscribed 'With the Compliments of A.M. Turing' (not in Turing's hand). n.d., perhaps March 1951.

This is the First Edition Handbook, compiled by Turing himself, and very difficult to operate. Turing is known to have sent a copy to Strachey while he was working on his draughts-playing program at Harrow. Strachey contrived to master the handbook sufficiently to be able to run his draughts program on it overnight when he visited Manchester. This was considered a real achievement.

The handbook bears manuscript annotations and corrections by Strachey.

Note: Though described as 'Handbook... Mark II', this is the Mark I Handbook, which was the basis for modifications introduced for Mark 1*, and for Mark II (subsequently Mercury).

Dates

  • Creation: n.d.

Extent

1 file

Language of Materials

  • English

Shelfmark

MS. Eng. misc. b. 260/C.40

Former reference:

CSAC 71.1.80/C.40

Related Materials

See MS. Eng. misc. b. 251/A.39.

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom