Inaugural lecture by Professor David Anderson
Contested Histories and Alternative Facts: De-mythologising the early history of modern British Computing
Prof. Anderson offers a challenge to the usual account of the development of the first stored-program computer - the Manchester Baby. In doing so, he focuses on the contribution made to the project by the topologist M.H.A. (Max) Newman and other members of the Dept. of Mathematics. Based on an extensive re-examination of the primary source material, he suggests that a very much more significant role was played by mathematicians than is allowed for in the dominant discourse. In the course of his talk he identifies and debunks three persistent myths, which lend support to the dominant narrative.
This event will run from 6.30-7.30pm and is followed by a canapé reception.
