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Call for Technology & Culture Book and Manuscript Reviewers
by Jason Gallo 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

Hello, SIGCIS. I'm passing along a note from the Technology & Culture editorial team (below). They are soliciting new reviewers for books and manuscripts. Best, Jason --------- As the editorial team of Technology and Culture, it is our ambition to use the book review section to provide a comprehensive overview of new books relevant to historians of technology, defining history of technology quite broadly, and including books in other languages than English. As a result, at the moment we publish on average 40 reviews per issue. Given the relatively small size of our team, we are always on the lookout for people willing to review books (or manuscripts) for us. For book reviews, our general guidelines ask for a 700- word review. Our standard deadline is two months from the arrival of the book, but we are willing to work with your schedule. If you are interested in reviewing, and have the time and capacity to do so, please send a message to the assistant review editor Henk-Jan Dekker (assistant(a)techculture.org) and book review assistant Leon Vauterin (bookreviewassistant(a)techculture.org) In your email, please attach a short CV, specify what your expertise and current interests are, and the subjects of books you would like to review. Also, please indicate the languages you feel confident to read (noting that the reviews will need to be in English). If you have seen a recent title that particularly interests you, do not hesitate to suggest yourself as a reviewer either. We try to keep track of the latest publications through publisher websites and catalogues, but we might have missed it, or might not be aware of your specific interest in the book. We look forward to hearing from some of you! Best wishes from the T&C team, Ruth Oldenziel, Editor-in-chief, Mor Lumbroso, Managing editor Dick van Lente, Book review editor Henk-Jan Dekker, Assistant review editor Leon Vauterin, Book review assistant

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DHST Global History of Science and Technology Festival 29 september 00h01 UTC-10h00 UTC
by Liesbeth De Mol 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

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DHST Global History of Science and Technology Festival: correction registration link
by Liesbeth De Mol 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

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Fellowships and Travel Grants from the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center (apps due 1 Nov 2023)
by Hintz, Eric 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

**Hi SIGCIS– Check out the Lemelson Center’s call for fellowship applications, due November 1, 2023. Over the years we’ve had several SIGCIS members join us at research fellows and NMAH has great collections in the history of computing such as the Ralph Baer papers<https://sova.si.edu/record/NMAH.AC.0854>, the Grace Murray Hopper collection<https://sova.si.edu/record/NMAH.AC.0324>, the Computer Oral History Collection<https://sova.si.edu/record/NMAH.AC.0196>, and many other gems. Best, Eric Hintz Fellowships and Travel Grants from the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center (apps due 1 Nov 2023) Through its fellowships and travel grants, the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation<https://invention.si.edu/> supports research projects that present creative approaches to the study of invention and innovation in American society. Projects may include (but are not limited to) historical research and documentation projects resulting in publications, exhibitions, educational initiatives, documentary films, or other multimedia products. Our programs provide access to the expertise of the Institution's research staff<http://americanhistory.si.edu/about/staff> and the vast invention and technology collections of the National Museum of American History (NMAH). The NMAH Archives Center<http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/collections> documents both individuals and firms across a range of time periods and subject areas. Representative collections include the Western Union Telegraph Company Records, ca. 1840-1994 and the Robert W. Kearns Papers, which document the invention of the intermittent windshield wiper and Kearns’s defense of his patent. In addition, the NMAH Library offers long runs of historical technology serials like Scientific American and American Machinist, and the American Trade Literature collection<http://library.si.edu/trade-literature>, which includes 300,000 catalogs, technical manuals, and advertising brochures for some 30,000 firms, primarily from 1880-1945. For a comprehensive catalog of objects, manuscripts, images and research materials available at the NMAH (and other Smithsonian units), see http://www.collections.si.edu/. Topics: The Lemelson Center invites all applications covering the broad spectrum of research topics in the history of technology, invention, and innovation. However, the Center especially encourages proposals that align with one (or more) of its strategic research and programmatic areas, including 1) projects that illuminate inventors from diverse backgrounds or any inventions and technologies associated with under-represented groups, such as women, minorities, LGBTQ, and the disabled; (2) projects exploring innovation in sports and sports technology; or (3) projects that explore the broader ecosystem of individuals and institutions that support inventors, including inventors' professional organizations; angel investors, venture capitalists, and financiers; incubators and entrepreneurial coaches; patent agents and IP attorneys; product designers, manufacturers, and marketers; and bankruptcy-liquidation specialists. The Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship supports the work of an experienced author or senior scholar (associate/full/emeritus professor level or equivalent) from the history of technology, science and technology studies, business history, museum studies, STEAM education, or an allied field. The specific arrangement is flexible: the Molella Fellow may use the funds as a sabbatical supplement; for several short-duration visits; for a virtual appointment focused on research and writing; or for a series of lectures leading to a major publication. The stipend is $35,000. Funds may be used flexibly to support teaching buyouts, travel for several short-term visits, living expenses for longer residences up to six months, and related research expenses. Dates are flexible. Applications are due 1 November 2023. For application procedures and additional information, see http://invention.si.edu/arthur-molella-distinguished-fellowship. The Lemelson Center Fellowship Program annually awards 2 to 3 fellowships to pre-doctoral graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, and other professionals who have completed some advanced training. Fellows are expected to reside temporarily in the Washington, D.C. area and participate in the Center's activities. Fellowship tenure is based upon the applicants’ stated needs (and available funding), from two to ten weeks. Stipends will be $850/week for pre-doctoral fellows and $1,100/week for post-doctoral and professional fellows. Applications are due 1 November 2023. For application procedures and additional information, see http://invention.si.edu/lemelson-center-fellowship-program. **The Lemelson Center has suspended its Short-Term Travel Grants for 2024-2025. For updates, please check http://invention.si.edu/lemelson-center-travel-collections-awards. Program Alumni: Click the links to see project descriptions for past and current fellows<https://invention.si.edu/lemelson-center-fellows-1996-present> and travel grantees<https://invention.si.edu/lemelson-center-travel-collections-awards-recipien…>! Contact: Applicants may wish to consult with the fellowship coordinator before submitting a proposal; contact historian Eric S. Hintz, PhD at hintze(a)si.edu<mailto:hintze@si.edu>. _________________ Eric S. Hintz, PhD (he/him), Historian, Lemelson Center Office +1 202-633-3734 | Mobile +1 610-717-7134 |@EricSHintz Email hintze(a)si.edu<mailto:hintze@si.edu> | americanhistory.si.edu<http://www.americanhistory.si.edu/> | invention.si.edu<http://www.invention.si.edu/> Author, American Independent Inventors in an Era of Corporate R&D<https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/american-independent-inventors-era-corporate…> (MIT Press, 2021) Editor, Black Inventors and Innovators: New Perspectives<https://invention.si.edu/sites/default/files/Lemelson-Center-Black-Inventor…> (2021) Co-editor, Does America Need More Innovators?<https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/does-america-need-more-innovators> (MIT Press, 2019)

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American codebreaker exhibit - but you can't see it
by Jonathan Coopersmith 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

https://dcist.com/story/23/09/22/arlington-foreign-service-institute-recogn… Actually, I suspect we could probably arrange a tour. Stay sane, Jonathan Jonathan Coopersmith Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science Professor Emeritus Department of History Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-4236 979.739.4708 (cell) "Technological obsolescence, <https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2023/05/technological-obsolescence>" National Academy of Engineering *Perspectives* May 23, 2023 It's taking longer to vote - especially if you are Black or Hispanic <https://theconversation.com/its-taking-more-time-to-cast-a-ballot-in-us-ele…> , theconversation.com Preserving space archives: https://www.toboldlypreserve.space/ *FAXED. The Rise and Fall of the Fax Machine* (Johns Hopkins University Press)

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The impact of computer patents
by Brian Randell 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

Hi: I would be grateful for recommendations on books and papers containing thoughtful well-justified discussion of the likely or actual practical impact of the outcomes of the various attempts to patent the concept of a programmable computer (whether granted, refused or invalidated) on the early development of the computer industry, in the US and elsewhere. I have in mind the ENIAC and especially the Konrad Zuse patent cases, but am also interested in any others. (My searches for good references have been hampered by the proliferation of articles on software patenting - a topic which I am not trying to cover.) Cheers Brian Randell Sent from my iPhone

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cfa: The Global Cochlear Implant
by Mara Mills 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

The Global Cochlear Implant: Provincializing “Brain Implants” through Disability Technocultures Michele Friedner (University of Chicago) and Mara Mills (New York University) have received funding from the US-based National Endowment for the Humanities <https://www.neh.gov/program/dangers-and-opportunities-technology-perspectiv…>for a conference, working group, and book project on “The Global Cochlear Implant” for the period Fall 2023-Fall 2025. We are seeking chapter contributors for our interdisciplinary edited volume that will focus on: -Historical and contemporary accounts of cochlear implant development and utilization in specific geographic contexts, including developing contexts -Pre-histories of cochlear implant development and use (especially in Russia, France, Austria) -Analysis of the ways that cochlear implantation is changing (or not) deaf and disability identities, socialities, solidarities, and life trajectories in specific geographic contexts - Ethics of cochlear implantation development, dissemination, and use in diverse contexts; an exploration of ethics can also include discussions of brain implants and biotechnology more broadly - Humanistic and aesthetic accounts and representations of cochlear implantation - Histories connecting cochlear implants to the broader category of brain implants Doctoral students are welcome and encouraged to apply. Contributors can be at any academic or non-academic rank and will be offered a stipend for their chapters as well as travel and lodging funds to attend the October 2024 conference in Chicago. Participants will also be invited to attend monthly zoom group meetings where they will receive support for writing their chapters. The deadlines are as follows: 1. Submit abstract and cv to michelefriedner(a)uchicago.edu and mmills(a)nyu.edu <mamills(a)nyu.edu> by December 1 2023; please email both with questions and/or concerns. 2. Decisions will be made by Jan 1, 2024. 3. Working group meetings in support of research and writing of papers will commence first week of February. 4. Conference will be held in October 2024 at the University of Chicago; Participants will present talks based on their chapters. 5. Versions of chapters will be sent to the selected press in April 2025. Project Abstract: Perhaps no medical device has sparked more popular discussion of the “dangers and opportunities of technology” than the cochlear implant (CI). The first true bionic device, CIs (re)produce an absent ‘normal’ human function (Blume 2009). Despite ongoing polarizing debates about the ramifications of CI technology, only a few book-length studies of the technology exist, and these have overwhelmingly emphasized U.S. and European perspectives. This collaborative humanities project will document the impacts of the technology itself (e.g. algorithmic bias), the influence of the global corporations that market it, and the range of ways implants have been domesticated, maintained, and re-interpreted. At this pivotal moment for the development and global dissemination of neuroprosthetics, with brain implants widely featured in the popular press, this multi-disciplinary, international project will serve both a documentary and a comparative function, as well as provide a platform, through our conference and published work, for alternative narratives of CI use. Mara Mills <http://maramills.org/> | Associate Professor | Media, Culture, and Communication | New York University Co-Director, NYU Center for Disability Studies <https://disabilitystudies.nyu.edu/> Crip Authorship: Disability as Method <https://nyupress.org/9781479819355/crip-authorship/>, eds. Mills and Sanchez (NYU 2023) Testing Hearing: The Making of Modern Aurality <https://academic.oup.com/book/36957>, eds. Tkaczyk, Mills, and Hui (Oxford 2020)

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New book, Too Much Fun - The Five Lives of the Commodore 64 Computer
by Jesper Juul 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

Dear SIGCIS list I have learned a lot from this list, so I am happy to announce that my new book, *Too Much Fun: The Five Lives of the Commodore 64 Computer* is out today in the Platform Studies series on MIT Press <https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262549516/too-much-fun/>. *Too Much Fun *is about two central *mysteries*. First, why is the best-selling Commodore 64 computer absent in many computer and video game histories*? *Second, why did this early computer, destined for a shelf life of just a few years, live so long, and end up being produced from 1982-1994? Building on work in media archeology, the book is a "*biography*" of technology, where I show both the historical ideas and technology behind early home computers, advertising, the design of the machine, and how this design was later used in both intended and unintended ways, and how the computer sometimes played along, and sometimes resisted new uses. I write about how early computer manufacturers were worried about the stigma of the "game machine" and even about color. I write about the difference between early North American and European home computer history, which I think has been understudied. I use this to describe the "*Five Lives"* of the title, as the Commodore 64 was *imagined* to be different things in its 40 years of existence from 1) a serious computer, to a 2) game computer, to 3) a computer for a technological subculture, to 4) a computer about to fall behind, to 5) a comforting device whose limitations are now a style, a cause for celebration, an old device experiencing a new renaissance. *Too Much Fun* is* for anyone interested in computer or game history*, in how devices can be made to live longer, and for anyone who had, or didn't have, a Commodore 64. You can get the book in electronic or paper format from your preferred distributor, or via the book's website: https://www.jesperjuul.net/c64/ *Endorsements* “Jesper Juul has provided a long-needed addition to the Platform Studies series. It's a wonderful book, as readable as it is informative.” *Jimmy Maher, author of The Future was Here: The Commodore Amiga* “A beautiful, sincere, and rich account of everything that makes this influential computer so special to me: that unique punk stew of technology, creativity, culture, people, and zeitgeist.” *Gary Penn, editor of Zzap!64; inaugural Games Media Legend; author of Sensible Software 1986–1999; Creative Director at DMA Design* “In this standout contribution to the Platform Studies series, Juul illuminates the overlooked career of the Commodore 64 home computer by integrating the perspectives of hardware designers, marketeers, game programmers, demo creators, and retrocomputing enthusiasts.” *Thomas Haigh, lead author of ENIAC in Action and A New History of Modern Computing* “As someone who has a wealth of knowledge on this subject, this book is 'highly recommended reading,' so do not hesitate—just buy this book and rejoice.” *David John Pleasance, musician, former Managing Director, Commodore UK, author of Commodore: The Inside Story* -- Jesper Juul, Video game theorist, Royal Danish Academy New book coming Dec 10, 2024: Too Much Fun: The Five Lives of the Commodore 64 Computer <https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262549516/too-much-fun/>. www.jesperjuul.net | j(a)jesperjuul.net | @jesperjuul.bsky.social <https://bsky.app/profile/jesperjuul.bsky.social>

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Conference on "Rethinking the Inevitabilty of AI"
by Ceruzzi, Paul 29 Dec '24

29 Dec '24

Greetings. Part II of this on-line conference concluded last week, and it was a remarkable success. https://uva.theopenscholar.com/rethinking-the-inevitability-of-ai/ Kudos to Mar Hicks and colleagues at the Univ. of Virginia. It was not primarily a history conference, but there were some excellent papers covering the history of AI. I hope they are published. I did not present a research paper but more a "Photo Essay" on the history of what is now called Data Center Alley. I have posted a link on my Substack account: https://substack.com/@paulceruzzi/p-152993282 (I hope this link works; I am new to Substack and am feeling my way through it.) Most, but not all, of the images are in the public domain, if you wish to use them. Best, Paul Ceruzzi

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Annals 46(4) Special Issue on CAD now available
by Troy Astarte 22 Dec '24

22 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, It brings me pleasure to announce that the latest issue of IEEE Annals of the History of Computing is now available online. Here is the link to the CSDL<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04> and to Xplore<https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/tocresult.jsp?isnumber=10783649&punumber=85> (I am aware that some institutions have access through only one of these). This is a Special Issue guest edited by Burton Grad and Dave Kasik and is entitled ‘Computer Aided Design I: Forming the CAD Software Industry’. It’s a real bumper issue, possibly Annals’ largest ever, packed with various perspectives on the CAD industry. Of particular note are the many contributions from individuals who worked in the field, including in leadership positions, providing a deep and varied set of testimonials and insider views. Here’s the table of contents: Guest Editors’ Introduction CAD: Forming the Industry<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10783070/22xbkvHp21O> by Burton Grad<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Burton&s…>, David Kasik<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=David&su…> Theme Article Computer-Aided Design in the United States, 1949–1984: Designing in a Closed World<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10723797/21dMvPRpjjO> by Daniel Cardoso Llach<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Daniel&s…> Theme Article Industry-Developed CAD/CAM Software<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10713862/20VwDAlZwIM> by David J. Kasik<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=David%20…> Theme Article Developing and Using CAD/CAM/CAE Systems in Boeing<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10700046/20FgZYM8CEU> by David J. Kasik<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=David%20…> Department: Biography Patrick J. Hanratty: Pioneer in Commercial CAD/CAM Software Systems<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10783733/22xbl6hFCrm> by Cheryl Baltes<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Cheryl&s…> Department: Anecdotes Applicon: The Early Days of Computer-Aided Electronics Design<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10783740/22xbl1dJgA0> by Fontaine K. Richardson<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Fontaine…> Department: Anecdotes Nonuniform Rational B-Splines, Computervision, and Me<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10783770/22xbkG5Ktig> by Kenneth J. Versprille<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Kenneth%…> Theme Articles The History of Unigraphics, 1974–2001<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10679561/20b3j9K7tMA> by Paul O. Sicking<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Paul%20O…>, George A. Allen<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=George%2…>, Wilfredo R. Valenzuela<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Wilfredo…> Theme Article SDRC: Company History and Impact on the CAD/MCAE Industry in the 20th Century<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10695451/20yDlPjNhjq> by Kevin Eustace<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Kevin&su…>, Albert Klosterman<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Albert&s…> Theme Article A History of CAD in the United Kingdom: The Cambridge Phenomenon<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10703090/20IAKErCyXK> by Michael A. Evans<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Michael%…> Theme Article CAD at Fluor, T&W/Versacad, Computervision, and Archway<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10685150/20tjcGmvM2s> by Tom Lazear<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Tom&surn…> Theme Article Dassault Systèmes: A CAD Success Story<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10676310/209om3TbMRO> by Francis Bernard<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Francis&…> Department: Interviews Autodesk Oral History<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10783764/22xblmMom5O> by Chuck House<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Chuck&su…>, Burt Grad<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Burt&sur…> Department: Interviews Oral History of Alvar Green<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10783767/22xblbWNqla> by Douglas Fairbairn<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Douglas&…> Department: Events and Sightings Computer-Aided Design: CAD Materials at the Computer History Museum and Charles Babbage Institute<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10783771/22xbkqs6IXS> by Burton Grad<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Burton&s…> Department: Reviews Review of The Big 50: Celebrating 50 ACM SIGGRAPH Conferences, by David J. Kasik, Mary C. Whitton, and Chris R. Johnson<https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2024/04/10783743/22xblhCuqv6> by Dave Shreiner<https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Dave&sur…> Best, Dr. Troy Kaighin Astarte (they/them / nhw) I often dictate messages due to motor disability; please forgive any oddities resulting. Lecturer, Computer Science / Darlithydd, Cyfrifiadureg Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe Editor-in-Chief / Prif Olygydd, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing For students: my drop in hours are on the Intranet<https://fse-intranet.swan.ac.uk/intranet/staff_officehours?selected_staff_i…> (office CoFo 407) I fyfyrwyr: mae fy oriau swyddfa ar y fewnrwyd. Meeting booking: via Office Booking<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/8e101a47e22e4af793d033901758d0e4…>. Zoom office: https://swanseauniversity.zoom.us/my/t.k.astarte Every email has a cost to the climate. Please think before sending short emails. Mae gan bob e-bost gost i’r hinsawdd. Meddyliwch cyn i chi anfon e-byst byr.

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