Hi all, I'm afraid I can't help you with the question on the etymology of vector in computing context. However, your question reminds me of an interrupted odyssey I have yet to finish, which is: what is the etymology of "string" (as a name for the primitive type of a series of characters) in computing context? If anybody has any clues where I should look for the first use in concrete connection to digital computing I would be greatly appreciative. Thanks and best regards --Joris van Zundert On Sat, 20 Feb 2021 at 09:27, Bernard Geoghegan < bernardgeoghegan2010@u.northwestern.edu> wrote:
Hi SIGCISers,
Can anyone advise on the origin of the term “vector graphics.”
Clearly, it literally describes a production of “vectors” on the screen by a concrete line-drawing technology. However, I’m wondering if there were multiple senses in that term initially. Specifically, looking through SAGE documentation from the 1950s and 1960s, esp, accounts of if operator displays, “vector” describes the physical trajectory of planes on the display. As SAGE was also a key source for early graphical interfaces, I’m wondering of the term “vector graphics” had a double connotation, as an analogy between the flight paths and the manner of illustrating graphics.
It’s not earth shaking, but it’s etymologically neat-o if one can trace “vector graphics” to multiple connotations at its coinage.
Best, b
_______________________________________________ This email is relayed from members at sigcis.org, the email discussion list of SHOT SIGCIS. Opinions expressed here are those of the member posting and are not reviewed, edited, or endorsed by SIGCIS. The list archives are at http://lists.sigcis.org/pipermail/members-sigcis.org/ and you can change your subscription options at http://lists.sigcis.org/listinfo.cgi/members-sigcis.org
-- Drs. Joris J. van Zundert Researcher & Developer in Humanities Computing Dept. of Literary Studies Huygens Institute for the History of the Netherlands Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences joris.van.zundert@huygens.knaw.nl @jorisvanzundert +31624461051 https://jorisvanzundert.net/ https://www.huygens.knaw.nl/vanzundert/?lang=en visiting address Oudezijds Achterburgwal 185 1012 DK Amsterdam The Netherlands postal address P.O. Box 10855 1001 EW Amsterdam The Netherlands -- Jack Sparrow: I thought you were supposed to keep to the code. Mr. Gibbs: We figured they were more actual guidelines.