Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140

John Vincent Atanasoff

RS 13/20/51
John Vincent Atanasoff (1903-1995)
Papers, 1925-2011, undated


Descriptive summary

creator:

Atanasoff, John Vincent (1903-1995)

title:

Papers

dates:

1925-2011, undated

extent:

32.75 linear feet (60 document boxes, 1 records center carton, 9 oversized boxes, and 2 map case folders )

collection number:

RS 13/20/51

repository:

University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

 

Administrative information

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

John Vincent Atanasoff Papers, RS 13/20/51, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

 

Biographical note

John Vincent Atanasoff was born in 1903 in New York State. His father was a Bulgarian immigrant named Ivan (John) Atanasov and his mother was Iva Lucena Purdy, a mathematics schoolteacher. The couple had nine children and resided in Brewster, Florida, during John Vincent's childhood. As a young child, Atanasoff was very interested in mathematical principles and studied calculus at the age of 9. He completed high school in two years and in 1921, he entered the University of Florida in Gainesville. He graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. (1925) in electrical engineering and accepted a teaching position from Iowa State College.

Atanasoff received his masters degree (1926) in mathematics from Iowa State College, and a few days later, he married Lura Meeks. They had three children: Elsie, Joanne and John II. He completed his doctoral thesis, "The Dielectric Constant of Helium," at the University of Wisconsin and received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics in 1930. In the fall of 1930 he became a member of the Iowa State College faculty as assistant professor in mathematics and physics. Atanasoff began developing a computation method for solving complicated math problems in a faster, more efficient way. He was promoted to associate professor (1936) of both mathematics and physics.

Atanasoff continued to struggle with the development of a faster computation system and in 1937 developed basic concepts for his computing machine. After receiving a grant of $650 from Iowa State College in March 1939, Atanasoff hired an electrical engineering student, Clifford E. Berry, to assist him. From 1939 until 1941 they worked at developing and improving the ABC, Atanasoff-Berry Computer, as it was later named. When World War II started on 7 December 1941, the work on the computer came to a halt. Although Iowa State College had hired a Chicago patent lawyer, Richard R. Trexler, the patenting of the ABC was never completed.

In September of 1942 Atanasoff left for a defense-related position at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in Washington, D.C. and became Chief of the Acoustics Division. By 1948 the Atanasoff-Berry Computer had been removed from the Physics Building and dismantled. Neither Atanasoff nor Clifford Berry were ever notified that the computer was going to be destroyed.

In 1949 Atanasoff and his wife Lura were divorced. Lura moved with the children to Denver, Colorado. In the same year, John Atanasoff married Alice Crosby.

In 1949 he became chief scientist for the Army Field Forces and he then returned to Washington as director (1950-1951) of the Navy Fuse Program at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory. In 1952 he established The Ordnance Engineering Corporation, a research and engineering company in Rockville, Maryland, with his friend and former student, David Beecher. The company was sold to Aerojet General Corporation in 1957, and he became Manager of its Atlantic Division from 1957-1959 and Vice President from 1959-1961. In 1961 he retired.

Although the ABC was never patented, it was part of major court case in the 1960s and 1970s. In Honeywell v. Sperry Rand, Sperry Rand was attempting to establish the validity of patent rights they had purchased from J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly. These rights included the Electronic Numerical Integrator (ENIAC) which Eckert and Mauchly had patented in 1964. Honeywell, Inc. was trying to establish that Mauchly had obtained important concepts used in the ENIAC from examination of a device known as the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, during a visit to Iowa State in June, 1941. In his decision (1973), the judge agreed that the concepts used in developing ENIAC were based on Atanasoff's work with the ABC.

Atanasoff received numerous awards and honors including: the U.S. Navy Distinguished Service Award (1945); Order of Cyril and Methodius (1970);Iowa Inventors Hall of Fame (1974); Governor's Science Medal (1985);Holley Medal, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1985) and the Coors American Ingenuity Award (1986) and the National Medal of Technology (1990).

After a long illness, Atanasoff died of a stroke on 15 June 1995 at his home in Maryland.

 

Collection description

Series I, Biographical records (1930-2011), contains biographical sketches and personnel records, newspaper and printed clippings, photographs and scanned image printouts, certificates, oral history interviews with Atanasoff; material from Clark Mollenhoff's book, "Atanasoff : Forgotten Father of the Computer" (1988), and other published material concerning Atanasoff, awards information, correspondence relating to computer exhibitions and the 1990 trip to Bulgaria, 2 audiotapes, 1 VHS tape, and a film script.

Series 2, Correspondence (1929-1993), contains a wide variety of professional correspondence from colleagues, friends, and students from throughout Atanasoff's career. Correspondents include George Gross, Sam Legvold, Max Munk, Bob Vaile, Jay Woodrow, and Iowa State College (later University). Several folders of 1993 celebratory birthday cards received from Maryland elementary school children are also in this series.

Atanasoff was involved with the Aerojet Corporation in the late 1950s, and their records are contained in Series 3, Business records (1956-1961). Included are memorandum and correspondence concerning company proposals. The proposals include the development of automation systems, bacteriological weapons, and a satellite program.

Series 4, Invention records (1930-1981), contains records relating to Atanasoff's inventions, beginning prior to World War II and extending through to the 1970s. The files contain notes, information, and drawings relating to the following inventions: an electrical clock (1936); cathode-ray tub and low-frequency detection device (World War II-era); electronic chassis (late 1940s); and several inventions relating to his home in Maryland, including the house itself, a hog house, a dryer for vegetables, and a seeder.

Atanasoff's research notes and published materials relating to his career are in Series 5, Research and publications (1926-1986, undated). There are reprint articles, notes for speeches, translations, Iowa State College exam questions and coursework, quantum mechanics notes, portions of a book on underwater acoustics and sound, Naval Ordnance Laboratory project reports, and drafts of "The Advent of Electronic Digital Computing," published in the Annals of the History of Computing in 1983.

A large component of the Atanasoff papers is Series 6, Legal records (1925-1980, undated), which contains depositions, transcripts of proceedings, testimony, correspondence, black and white photographs, published materials, original notes and drawings, and a finding of fact for the case of Honeywell, Inc. v. Sperry-Rand. The materials relate to the development of the ABC Computer, and depositions from Atanasoff, John Mauchly, and patent lawyer, Richard Trexler, and a full-length interview with Atanasoff are included. The correspondents include Cliff Berry, Sam Legvold, Richard Trexler, and Iowa State College (University).

Series 7, Language study records (1965-1980), contains published materials, notes, and correspondence, related to Atanasoff's experimentation and study of the creation of a new alphabet. Atanasoff firmly believed that a digital alphabet should be developed as the current alphabet was too difficult for children to learn.

Series 8, Printed materials (1927-2003), consists of a varying amount of printed material, relating to Atanasoff's research interest. Included are reprint articles and theses of former students and other researchers, and articles and clippings relating to the history of computing.

 

 

Description of series

Series 1

Biographical records

1925-2011, undated

extent:

64 folders

description:

This series contains biographical sketches and personnel records, newspaper and printed clippings, photographs and scanned image printouts, certificates, oral history interviews with Atanasoff, material from Clark Mollenhoff's book, "Atanasoff: Forgotten Father of the Computer" (1988) and other published material concerning Atanasoff, awards information, correspondence relating to computer exhibitions and the 1990 trip to Bulgaria, a scrapbook depicting the trip to Yambol, Bulgaria, in photographs, 2 audiotapes, and a film script.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

41

11

Addresses, awards, remarks

1974

41

12

Addresses, awards, remarks

1980

41

13

Addresses, awards, remarks

1981

54

24

Ahmehu: Bulgarian Newspaper

1974-1985

20

11

Allen McIntosh: article in IEEE

1984-1986

20

12

Allen McIntosh: article in IEEE

1986-1989

58

19

Allen, Edward

1945-1985

59

1

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Holley Medal (photocopy)

1985

Map

case

Appointment to the Great Navy of Nebraska

1984

59

2

Article: 100th Birthday

2005

50

1

Articles about Atanasoff by George Hamlin published in the Naval Surface Weapons Center newsletter, On the Surface

1984-1990

59

3

Atanasoff Asteroid

1988

50

 

Award: The National Medal of Technology

1990

55

6

Awards & Recognition

1953-1994

21

1

Awards and press clippings

1986-1990

58

1

Awards, birth certificate, photos

1984-1985

54

18

Ballad to John Atanasoff

1990

58

18

Berry, Jean

1981-1986

49

7

Bibliography and list of patents by Atanasoff compiled by George Hamlin, Naval publications writer and biographer

2006

41

3

Biographical material

1974

41

4

Biographical material

1974

41

5

Biographical material

1981

41

6

Biographical material

1983-1984

41

7

Biographical material

1989-1999

41

8

Biographical material (2 audio cassette tapes: All Things Considered)

1986-1995

41

2

Biographical materials

1950-1976, undated

41

1

Biographical materials

undated

12

1

Biographical sketch

undated

4

13

Biographical sketches

undated

55

4

Biography

undated

59

4

Birthday card

1983 circa

Map case Blueprints of Atanasoff residence in Ames 1935

59

5

Book review: The First Electronic Computer: The Atanasoff Story

1988

58

8

Broad, Williams: New York Times

1983

59

6

Bulgaria, letters and travel logs

1970

41

22

Bulgaria trip

1970

70   Bulgaria trip: scrapbook (62 b/w and 6 color photographs) 1990 circa

22

7

Bulgarian documentary correspondence

1989-1990

59

7

Bulgarian Order of Cyril and Methodius, Official Decree

1970

59

8

Bulgarian Order of Cyril and Methodius, U.S. Dept. of State Telegram

1970

56

1

Burks, Alice

1982-1983

56

3-4

Burks, Arthur: Annals of Computer History

1981

7

1

Centennial Award (University of Florida)

1953

14

14

Certificate of appreciation

1993

56

2

Charles Babbage Institute: newsletters

1981-1988

59

9

Clipping

1966

36

17

Clipping

1985

59

10

Clipping

1987

46

3

Clippings

1942-1983, undated

46

2

Clippings

1984

46

1

Clippings

1985-1992

22

6

Computer exhibit clippings and correspondence

1990

54

17

Computing Reviews

1990

58

15

Computing Reviews: Origins of Modern Computing

1989

59

11

Contracts regarding ABC

1980-1988

20

2

Correspondence with oral history interviewer, William Turner

1987-1991

56

5

Council for Unified Research & Education

1980-1984

58

9

Cowan, Ken: Commex

1980-1984

Map

case

Democrat Chronicle article featuring John Atanasoff in photograph

1960

56

6

Digital Equipment Corporation: Lecture outlines

1980

57

 

Doctorate of Science Diploma

1981

58

3

Documentary

1979-1983

58

23

DPF Incorporated

1977-1980

49

4

"Dr. Atanasoff's Computer" by Allan R. Mackintosh

1988

57

1

Drawings - oversized box

undated

58

22

Educom

1984-1985

55

5

Educom: Computer Conference

1984-1988

58

17

Educon: Speeches on Computers

1984

21

7

Field notes (notebook)

1968

42

8

Film: "From One John Vincent Atanasoff" Notes and initial treatment

1969-1979

42

7

Film: "From One John Vincent Atanasoff" Script

1981-1983

42

6

Film: "From One John Vincent Atanasoff" Script

1983

58

4

First Annual Colorado business Awards

1986

59

12

Florida Engineer alumni magazine featuring Atanasoff

1984

56

8

Forbush, Scott & Julie

1980-1984

58

20

Gardner, David

1982

54

15

Gardner, David

1992

21

13

Handwritten guidelines for using computer

1989

Map

case

High school diploma

1920

34

8

Honorary degree, Western Maryland College

1982-1984

58

11

Hood College

1984

20

6

"How the Computer Revolution Started Fifty Years Ago," by William Turner

1988

49

5

Iowa Award: program

1999

54

20

Iowa Governor's Medal

1985

Map

case

Iowa State College Master of Science Degree

1926

59

13

Iowa State University: Atanasoff Celebration

1983-1984

58

10

Iowa State University: Atanasoff Celebration

1988

55

11

Iowa State University: Movie Script about Atanasoff

1983

54

14

Iowa State University: newsletters & correspondence

1990-1991

59

14

Iowa State University replica of ABC: Introduction at National Press Club (VHS tape)

1997

59

15

Iowa State University replica of ABC: Promotional materials

1996

59

16

Iowa State University replica of ABC: Selected media clips

1997

58

12

Israel

1986-1987

55

1

John's 90th birthday

1994

58

5

Johnson, Dick: Article for Educon

1984

58

24

Kovacs: Budapest

1987

55

3

Lecture: Beginning of Digital Electronic Computing

undated

59

17

Letters of Recommendation: National Medal of Science and Medal of Freedom

1988

20

10

List of patents (incomplete)

undated

41

14

List of publications

1936-1942, undated

21

10

Listing of data documents

1983-1986

21

9

Listing of data documents

1986-1988

21

12

Lists and calculator manuals

1985, undated

Map

case

Maryland House of Representatives resolution

undated

Map

case

Maryland State government: photographs upon declaring the resolution

1989

54

16

Medal of Technology

1989-1990

6

5

Membership certificate

1948

8

8

Memberships, notes, personnel information, house information, correspondence

1930-1941

21

4

Mollenhoff ballad and memorial card

1988, undated

20

9

Mollenhoff book, Chapters 11-15

1988 circa

20

7

Mollenhoff book, Chapters 1-5

1988 circa

21

5

Mollenhoff book, Chapters 16-20

1988 circa

20

8

Mollenhoff book, Chapters 6-10

1988 circa

59

18

Mollenhoff book response (clippings)

1988

22

11

Mollenhoff correspondence and information

1986-1990

22

10

Mollenhoff release

undated

58

21

Moravian College

1980-1982

56

9

Moravian College: Atanasoff receiving Doctorate of Science

1981

58

13

Morice, Dave: Computer Comics

1984

Map

case

Mount St. Mary's College Doctor of Humane Letters

1990 circa

58

7

National Medal of Technology

1990

54

19

National Medal of Technology

1990-1991

55

7

Newspaper & Articles: Atanasoff named "Inventor of First Digital Computer"

1969-1987

55

8-10

Newspaper Articles

1981-1999

58

6

Newspaper Articles and Correspondence

1974-1990

55

2

Newspaper Articles: John's death

1995

20

5

Notes and reminiscences on Naval Ordnance Lab for oral history

1987

54

22

Omaha: Acknowledged for 81st birthday and 45th anniversary of computer

1984

20

3

Oral history transcript

1987

20

4

Oral history transcript

1988

54

23

Personal Notes

1964-1974

5

17

Personnel contract

1950

4

12

Personnel files and notes

1949-1952, undated

5

18

Personnel forms

1948-1951

5

19

Personnel records

1949-1950

Map

case

Phi Kappa Phi, University of Florida Class of 1925

1925

41

21

Photographs, 1940s-1950s (photocopies)

undated

59

19

Photographs

1984 circa

4

9

Photographs (6) of Atanasoff

1947-1950

68

1

Photographs of Atanasoff

1935 circa-1980s

68

2

Photographs of Atansoff

1984-1989, undated

68

3

Photographs of family members

undated

68

4

Photographs of Celebration at Iowa State University

1983

68

5

Photographs of Atanasoff giving presentation at Washington D.C.

1984

68

6

Photographs of Atanasoff receiving the Iowa Governor's Science Medal from Terry Branstad

1985

68

7

Photographs of Atanasoff at Iowa State University for the VEISHEA celebration

1988

68

9

Photographs of Atanasoff ABC plaques

1975-1990

69

1

Photographs of Atanasoff (slides)

1981-1988

69

2

Photographs of Atanasoff at Iowa State University (slides)

1983-1988

69

3

Photographs of the ABC replica and Atanasoff

undated

Map

case

Pi Mu Epsilon certificate of membership

1923

57

25

Polk County (Iowa) Rest Area Northbound Design Draft: "Technology that Changed the World . . . From Iowa”

2011

Map

case

Poster: "The people behind computers: A brief history (2 copies and negative transparency)

undated

Map

case

Poster: John Vincent Atanasoff lecture for the Digital Equipment Corporation: "The ABC Machine: Atanasoff-Berry Computer"

1980

21

3

Presidential Medal

1990

4

8

Publicity clippings

1960-1961

4

10

Publicity clippings

1960-1961

55

12

Queries on JVA Computer History

1968-1979

21

6

Reference chronology

undated

59

20

Rock Island history

1989-1992, undated

Map

case

Russian poster

1983

12

4

Scanned images (JVA), biographical sketches, birthday correspondence (elementary school)

1993 circa

15

2

Scanned images of JVA (color)

1993

66

 

Scrapbook: A Celebration of the Accomplishments of Dr. John Vincent Atanasoff, Iowa State University

1988

65

 

Scrapbook: Condolence notes and letters at JVA's passing

1995

67

 

Scrapbook: Condolence letters, obituaries, clippings at JVA's passing

1995

38-39

 

See Series 5, Research and Publications; also see article, Annals of the History of Computing

1980 circa-1983

Map

case

Sigma Tau Epsilon chapter initiated March 12, 1924

1924

58

16

Slater, Robert: Time-Life Interview

1985

22

8

Smithsonian exhibit clippings and correspondence

1988-1990

59

21

Smithsonian oral history transcript and correspondence, Merzbach, Tropp, Finn (1 of 2)

1965-1974

59

22

Smithsonian oral history transcript and correspondence, Merzbach, Tropp, Finn (2 of 2)

1965-1974

59

23

Summary history of Atanasoff-Berry Computer

Undated

56

7

Telenews

1980

54

21

Time Magazine

1986

Map

case

University of Florida B.S. in Electrical Engineering

1925

59

24

University of Wisconsin, Madison: commencement programs (honorary degree)

1987

58

14

University of Wyoming: correspondence

1982-1984

 

Description of series

Series 2

Correspondence

1929-1993, undated

extent:

56 folders

description:

This series contains a wide variety of professional correspondence from colleagues, friends, and students from throughout Atanasoff's career. Correspondents include George Gross, Sam Legvold, Max Munk, Bob Vaile, Jay Woodrow, and Iowa State College (later University) departments and offices. Several folders of 1993 celebratory birthday cards received from Maryland elementary school children are also included in this series.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

2

5

ABC exhibit at the State Historical Society of Iowa

1987

7

2

A-E

1938-1942

34

 6

Alan Martin

1986

51

7

Allegretti, Dimitri

1981-1984

63 23 American Association of University Professors 1937-1941

53

8

American Federation of Information Processing Societies

1986

53

6

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

1985-1988

12

8

Approximate solution research

1941

51

12

Atchison: University of Maryland

1978-1980

51

11

Bell, Gwen: Director of Computer Museum,

1980-1982

53

7

Bennet, Ralph

1985-1990

52

6

Berg, Herman

1984

14

18

Birthday cards and letters

1993

15

3-15

Birthday cards and letters

1993

14

17

Birthday cards and letters and 6 color still photographs of Atanasoff web site

1993

14

13

Birthday letters

1993

13

11

Birthday letters (elementary school)

1993

5

3

Bob Vaile (Stanford University)

1950-1960

54

4

Bonchev, Vikoley

1990-1992

51

6

Bulgaria

1981-1984

53

16

Burks, Alice

1987-1990

52

1

Burks, Arthur

1981

53

5

Burroughs Corporation: Research Symposium

1985-1986

54

9

Caldwell, Wallace

1991

54

12

Caldwell, Wallace: PBS correspondence

1992

51

14

Ceruzzi, Paul

1980

11

16

Charles P. Wells

1934-1938

52

7

Clem, John

1984-1985

3

13

Computer Medicine

1974-1976

58

2

Correspondence

1963-1990

51

1

Correspondence

1976-1994

52

13

Correspondence

1984-1992

51

8

Correspondence

1983-1984

5

2

Dr. Roy and Betty Weller

1950-1951

8

5

Earl C. McCracken

1934-1941

8

4

Erwin Krammer

1940-1942

51

2

Evans, Chris  

1977

54

7

Fan Mail

1990-1995

51

3

Fan Mail

1981-1982

59

25

Fan Mail

1983-1986

12

5

F-J

1938-1942

53

11

Florida State University

1987

52

3

Fusaro, Ben: Salisbury College, Maryland

1984

7

13

George Gross

1937-1942

12

17

George L. Clark and S.T. Gross

1940-1941

2

4

Heat energy from the ocean

1977

52

4

Howerton, Hugh

1984

54

5

Inventor's Hall of Fame

1990-1993

51

16

Iowa State University

1963-1981

51

13

Iowa State University

1977-1984

53

19

Iowa State University

1987-1992

53

21

Iowa State University: Computer Science Department

1984-1990

14

5

ISC

1942-1946

60

1

ISC: Physics

1945-1948

41

 27

ISU

1974-1981

41

 26

ISU

1967-1973

41

 24

ISU

1963-1966

41

 25

ISU

1967-1968

8

10

ISU Dept. of Math letter and ISU Dept. of Physics newsletter

1946-1947

11

7

ISU Dept. of Physics newsletter

1947

11

9

J.R. Stehn

1941

52

5

Japanese Brain

1984

11

10

Jay Woodrow

1941-1942

41

 23

John Mauchly  (photocopies)

1941

8

7

John Robert Sites

1941

54

13

John's Death

1995

51

9-10

Johnson, Cecil A.

1983-1985

52

9

Johnson, Cecil A.: after Omaha

1984-1987

52

11

Judge Earl R. Larson: United States District Court

1984-1990

54

11

Kirkpatrick, Allen

1992

9

4

K-O

1939-1942

53

15

Larson, Clarence

1985

54

10

Lee, John: Annals History of Computers

1992

52

12

Lendt, David

1984-1990

52

10

Lendt, David

1984-1987

59

26

Letters to editors

1983-1984

53

18

Mackintosh, Allen

1987-1992

11

18

Margaret Woodrow

1940-1941

3

14

Max Munk

1974-1985

36

15

Max Munk (1 item)

1985

53

9

Mayfield, Betsy

1986-1987

54

3

McIntire, Glenda

1990-1991

6

4

Miscellaneous

1949-1951

59

27

Miscellaneous

1943-1949

53

3

Mulberry High School

1985-1986

14

6

National Defense Committee and Council

1942-1943

14

16

National Polytechnic Museum (Bulgaria) correspondence and 10 black and white still photographs of Atanasoff exhibit

1993

Map case

 

National Polytechnic Museum (Bulgaria): Posters

1993

21

2

Notes for ISU exhibit and clippings

1990

53

10

Olson, Walter

1986-1992

53

14

Penkov, Boyan

1987-1990

6

6

Personal and professional

1955-1960

6

7

Personal and professional

1952-1955

7

5

Personal and professional

1960-1961

7

9

Personal and professional (including correspondence with the Iowa State Highway Comm.)

1936-1937

8

6

Philip Hart

1937-1942

34

9

Philip J. Hart, also contains reprint articles

1983-1985

54

8

Physics Today

1991

54

6

Press Packet

1990-1993

16

1

Prof. Fox and Osterberg and reprint articles

1929-1936

14

1

P-T

1932-1942

53

1

Pylant, Jeff

1985

51

5

Radio Shack

1981-1982

8

2

Ray Cook

1936-1940

5

20

Reference and professional

1950-1951

52

8

Regis, Edward

1984-1985

12

2

Relating to crystal research

1936-1942

64

1

Research Corporation correspondence (photographs)

1963

11

17

Robert G. Wilson

1936-1941

53

20

Rochester, Jack

1990

42

9

Rockefeller Foundation (discussion of locating records of grant denial in the 1940s)

1990

8

3

Sam Legvold

1939-1942

3

2

Scanivalve Company

1973

53

4

Sendov, Blagovest

1985-1986

54

2

Stancoiff, John

1990-1991

3

15

U.S. Office of Management and Budget

1976

52

2

University of Florida

1983-1985

53

13

University of Florida: Building dedication

1987

53

12

University of Wisconsin

1987

54

1

University Publications

1989

13

1

U-Z

1937-1941

53

2

Varna Conference

1985

53

17

Veishea

1988

51

4

Wells, Charles

1981-1982

51

15

Zientara: Computer World

1981

 

Description of series

Series 3

Business records

1956-1961

extent:

15 folders

description:

This series contains records relating to the operation of Aerojet, a corporation which Atanasoff was involved with in the late 1950s. Included are memorandum and correspondence concerning company proposals. The proposals include the development of automation systems, bacteriological weapons, and a satellite program.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

4

7

Aerojet analysis of satellite program

1961

4

6

Aerojet analysis: automation as commercial product

1959

6

10

Aerojet Automated Mail Sorting data

1960

7

6

Aerojet contract

1961

7

7

Aerojet correspondence (General Tire and Rubber)

1958

6

12

Aerojet correspondence and memorandum

1950-1961

7

8

Aerojet financial records

1956

60 2 Aerojet general release agreement 1959

6

11

Aerojet proposal

1960

4

3

Aerojet proposal for automatic mail system

1960

4

5

Aerojet proposal for developing bacteriological weapons

1960

4

1

Aerojet prospectus

1959

4

2

Aerojet prospectus

1959

7

4

Aerojet records

1956

4

4

Aerojet still photographs (3)

undated

6

9

Aerojet Turnkey Post Office Proposal

1959

 

Description of series

Series 4

Invention records

1930-1987, undated

extent:

52 folders

description:

This series contains records relating to Atanasoff's inventions, beginning prior to World War II and extending through to the 1970s. The files contain notes, information, and drawings relating to the following inventions: electrical clock (1936); cathode-ray tube and low-frequency detection device (World War II-era); electronic chassis (late 1940s); and several inventions relating to his home in Maryland, including the house itself, a hog house, a dryer for vegetables, and a seeder.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

7

2

2-dimensional integraph

1937

60

3

Accelerometer

1950

6

8

Article/proposal: "The Mission of Pisgah V"

1965

60

4

Atanasoff-Berry Computer diagrams and photograph

1942-1987

64

2

Atanasoff-Berry Computer: Captions to Figures (photograph)

undated

64

3

Atanasoff-Berry Computer: Clifford Berry at the ABC (11 b/w photographs)

1940 circa

64

4

Atanasoff-Berry Computer: Parts (photographs)

1940 circa

64 5 Atanasoff-Berry Computer: Parts (photographs) 1942-1990
64 6 Atanasoff-Berry Computer: Illustrations (photographs) undated

5

6

Batteries

1950

Map

case

Boat motor invention illustration

undated

3

7

Caloric

1980 circa

3

8

Camera

1956, undated

36

4

Correspondence and notes

1965-1969

12

10

Crystal data

1930s circa

11

12

Crystal vibration theory

undated

Map

case

Drawings of boats

undated

Map

case

Drawings of computer parts (10 drawings; 3 positives and 7 negatives)

1931-1940, undated

3

12

Dryer for vegetables

1981

5

9

Electric clock

1936, undated

33

9

Electronic chassis

1948

12

9

Extension of Fredholm Method to Linear Operational Equations

undated

3

9

Gate alarm

undated

3

5

Generalized Taylor Expansion

1939-1979

5

4

Hay drying

1950, undated

3

10

Hog house

1980

8

1

House sketches

undated

3

11

Induction pendulum

1930 circa

12

12

Key to crystal groups

undated

Map

case

Laplacian Integraph, Project 210, Iowa Engineering Experiment Station: Drawing

1937

7

3

Magnetic amplifiers

1948-1953

5

10

Naval Ordnance Lab (NOL): seismograph plates and blueprints

1945 circa

Map

case

Naval Ordnance Lab (NOL): seismograph plates and blueprints

1945 circa

12

7

NOL barograph Type 1A

1949

33

10

NOL: Cathode Ray Tube Sound Recorder andNOL: Low Frequency Vibration Detection Device

1952-1953

5

15

NOL: Memorandum of results (2)

1949

5

16

NOL: Microbaragraph notes and NOL: Shaking table design

1948, undated

5

11

NOL: printed article, "Constant Frequency Oscillators"

1931

8

9

NOL: Project steering committee minutes

1946-1947

9

9

NOL: project - trip to Germany

1947

5

14

NOL: Seismographic/low frequency records

1947

10

10

NOL: Storage of Pulses on Cathode-Ray Tubes reports and memoranda

1947

5

12

NOL: technical report, " An Electrostatic Method...," (Kolsrud)

1951

5

13

NOL: thesis, earlier version of above technical report

undated

10

7

NOL: Glossary of Electroacoustic Terms

1948

12

4

Notes on variables

undated

11

16

Nylon cutter

1945

46

4

Patent correspondence (some photocopies)

1940-1979

35

7

Photography data

1965-1966

35

8

Photography data

1965-1966

35

9

Photometer for enlarging

1969

36

6

Potentrometers

1966

36

18

Printed materials relating to solar heat/energy

1972-1977

11

14

Properties of orthogonal functions

undated

36

5

Proton magnetometer

1966

35

10

Radio receivers

1964-1970

3

6

Seeder

1980

35

6

Separator

1963-1968

36

2

Slide rule for domestic use

1965, undated

6

1

Solar heating notes

1951

8

14

Transformer and spring by dimensional analysis data

undated

11

13

Vector elasticity notes

undated

12

11

Vibration of crystal plates

undated

 

Description of series

Series 5

Research and Publications (including printed materials and JVA writings)

1926-1986, undated

extent:

112 folders

description:

This series contains Atanasoff's research notes and published materials relating to his career. There are reprint articles, notes for speeches, translations, ISU exam questions and coursework, quantum mechanics notes, portions of a book on underwater acoustics and sound, Naval Ordnance Laboratory project reports, and drafts of "The Advent of Electronic Digital Computing," published in the Annals of the History of Computing in 1983.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

38

2

"Advent of Electronic Digital Computing," Annals of the History of Computing

1983

11

6

"Solution of Linear Systems of High Order"  (Von Neumann)

1946

8

15

"Theory of Physical Dimensions" (JVA)

undated

38

7

Annals article

1983 circa

38

8

Annals article

1982

39

1

Annals article

1980 circa

39

2

Annals article

1980 circa

39

3

Annals article

1980 circa

39

5

Annals article

1980 circa

39

7

Annals article

1980 circa

39

8

Annals article

1980 circa

39

9

Annals article

1980 circa

38

4

Annals article, revised

1983

39

6

Annals notes and article

1983 circa

36

1

Anodizing notes

undated

14

7

Anti-aircraft article and notes

1943 circa

7

10

Article and seminar reports

1929, undated

60

5

Article: "A Determination of the Elastic Constants of Beta-Quartz

1942

8

11

Article: "Piezo Electric Oscillations"

1935 circa

14

12

Article: Application of Punched Card Equipment to the Analysis of Complex Spectra

1935

14

15

Bibliography on electronic computer

1949

18

3

Bibliography, Computer Impacts

1983

22

1

Blank graph sheets

undated

21

8

Cement mortar field notebook

1969

24

10

Chapter III, Evolution of State of Gas (handwritten)

undated

24

11

Chapter III, Evolution of State of Gas (typescript)

undated

24

12

Chapter III, Evolution of State of Gas (typescript)

undated

18

5

Computer Impacts (communications equipment)

1983

19

2

Computer Impacts (engine tests)

1983

19

1

Computer Impacts (mapping)

1983

10

5

Dynamics course (ISU)

1935 circa

12

13

Elastic constants of quartz notes

1935 circa

13

6

Electricity and magnetism

undated

13

7

Electricity and magnetism

undated

10

6

Electrodynamics course (ISU)

1935 circa

60

6

Electrodynamics notes

undated

14

2

Equations for unknowns

undated

5

1

Essay: fuse design (JVA)

undated

5

5

Essay: military economics (JVA)

undated

12

6

Essay: philosophical relationship between math and physics

undated

5

8

Essay-theory of army motorization (JVA)

1943 circa

21

7

Field book notes

1968

60

7

Graduate Committee: Clifford Anderson

1942

14

9

Ground state of lithium notes and references

undated

14

11

Initial phase of bacterial growth notes

undated

10

9

Kinetic theory course (ISU)

1936

60

8

Kinetic Theory exam questions

1936

60

9

Linear Partial & Algebraic Equations: draft and notes

1936-1937, undated

17

4

List of graduate students

undated

38

6

List of slides

undated

14

3

Magnetron notes

undated

13

8

Michigan Symposium (Bohr, Van Vleck, Fermi)

1933

37

8

NOL: Correspondence and final report

1949

37

2

NOL: Crossroads project

1946

37

3

NOL: Crossroads project

1946

37

6

NOL: Helgoland

1946

37

7

NOL: Helgoland project notebook

1946

37

5

NOL: memos and project descriptions

1946

37

1

NOL: notebook, Helogland Project (Bikini)

1946

12

3

Notes and report on Summerfeld/Richardson electron

undated

6

2

Notes for speeches (JVA)

undated

14

8

Notes, printed materials and correspondence—Geiger Counter

1935-1936

9

10

Notes: Dynamics (JVA)

1945 circa

9

11

Notes: Dynamics of Rigid Bodies (JVA)

1945 circa

9

12

Notes: Theoretical physics, Hamilton's Principle (JVA)

1947 circa

40

 

Original galleys

1983

11

11

Osborne Club speech

undated

12

15

Physical Review article

1945 circa

12

16

Physical Review crystal data

undated

9

6

Physical Review review

1942

60

10

Physics exams

1933-1937

36

3

Precise scales and balances

1969-1971

39

4

Presentation

1980 circa

9

7

Presentations and correspondence (Related to ISU)

1937-1942

9

13

Quantum Mechanics course

1931

13

9

Quantum mechanics course

undated

13

10

Quantum mechanics course notes

1929

8

16

Quantum Mechanics Exam Questions (ISU)

1937-1942

13

2

Quantum mechanics syllabus

1935

18

4

References: Computer Impacts (manufacturing)

1983

9

1

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics (JVA)

undated

56

10-11

Reports & Publications

1940-1985

3

1

Reprint articles (JVA)

1940-1967

5

21

Reprint articles (JVA)

1932-1942

34

7

Research notes and presentation on computing

1985

14

10

Research projects index

undated

35

1

Speech

1984

9

5

Speeches: quantum mechanics (JVA)

1940 circa

11

8

Subject notes

1926

38

5

Summarizing of Concepts Brought to Computing

undated

36

8

Teachers in the U.S. clippings

1974-1986

36

7

Teachers in the U.S. correspondence and articles

1974-1986

9

6

The Physical Review review

1942

10

2

Theoretical physics course (ISU)

1935

10

1

Theoretical physics course (University of Md.)

1946-1947

60

11

Theoretical physics exam questions

1937-1946, undated

10

3

Thermodynamics course (ISU)

undated

10

4

Thermodynamics course (ISU)

undated

7

12

Thesis and essays on linear differential equations

1938, undated

13

5

Translation (Vol. II), Krawtchouk

undated

11

15

Translation (Vol. II-Krawtchouk)

undated

8

12

Translation of: On the Solution of Linear Differential and Integral Equations by the Method of Moments (Krawtchouk)

1935 circa-1936

10

8

Translation: Boltzman's H. Theorem

undated

8

13

Translations: Krawtchouk

1935 circa-1936

11

4

Underwater Acoustics: chapter II

1946 circa

11

5

Underwater Acoustics: chapter IV

1946 circa

11

1

Underwater Acoustics: draft

1946 circa

11

3

Underwater Acoustics: drawings

1946 circa

11

2

Underwater Acoustics: notes

1946 circa

10

12

Underwater Sound: bibliographies and summaries

1946 circa

10

13

Underwater Sound: chapter I

1946 circa

10

14

Underwater Sound: chapter II

1946 circa

10

15

Underwater Sound: chapter III

1946 circa

10

16

Underwater Sound: chapter III

1946 circa

10

11

Underwater Sound: material and chapters

undated

9

2

Van Vlack lectures on Quantum Mechanics

1929

9

3

Wentzel notes on Quantum Mechanics

1929-1930

35

12

Wine information and recipes

undated

 

 

Description of series

Series 6

Legal records

1925-1980, undated

extent:

155 folders and 3 records center cartons

description:

This series contains depositions, transcripts of proceedings, testimony, correspondence, black and white photographs, published materials, original notes and drawings, and a finding of fact for the case of Honeywell, Inc. v Control Data, Inc. The materials all relate to the development of the ABC Computer, and depositions from Atanasoff, John Mauchly, and patent lawyer, Richard Trexler, and a full-length interview with Atanasoff are included. The correspondents include Cliff Berry, Sam Legvold, Richard Trexler, and Iowa State College (University).

 

Also included is a particular grouping of files introduced by Atanasoff to the U.S. District Court records during his deposition taken in Minneapolis, MN, November 11 through December 6, 1968. These were organized according to an alphanumeric system, a key to which is included in the first file. They are given a heading of "Atanasoff Litigation Docs" followed by their code designation and specific title. The date "(1968)" at the end of the title indicates the date at which the files were compiled and submitted to the court, even the items within the files contain materials from a range of dates, being primarily photocopies of original documentation.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

24

1

"Solutions of Systems of Linear Equations by the Use of Punched Cards" and blueprints (2)

undated

62

3

A21 Mauchly-Dodds visit

1967-1968, undated

61

11

ABM Timetable

1967, undated

47

2

Agreement and ISU/Research accounts (1941-1953)

1968 circa

47

1

Agreement and modification

1968-1972

25

3

Article

1940 circa

23

15

Articles and notes

undated

44

3

Atanasoff deposition, volume 1 (11/11/68)

1968

44

4

Atanasoff deposition, volume 2 (11/12/68)

1968

44

5

Atanasoff deposition, volume 3 (11/13/68)

1968

44

6

Atanasoff deposition, volume 4 (11/14/68)

1968

45

1

Atanasoff deposition, volume 5 (11/15/68)

1968

45

2

Atanasoff deposition, volume 6 (12/3/68)

1968

45

3

Atanasoff deposition, volume 7 (12/4/68)

1968

45

4

Atanasoff deposition, volume 8 (12/5/68)

1968

45

5

Atanasoff deposition, volume 9 (12/6/68)

1968

32

4

Atanasoff interview, 7/10/1968

1968

32

3

Atanasoff interview, 7/11/1968

1968

32

6

Atanasoff interview, 7/22/1968

1968

32

7

Atanasoff interview, 7/23/1968

1968

33

1

Atanasoff interview, 7/24/1968

1968

33

2

Atanasoff interview, 7/25/1968

1968

33

3

Atanasoff interview, 7/26/1968

1968

32

5

Atanasoff interview, 7/9/1968

1968

62

6

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (A1): File order (1968)

1945-1967 circa

62

7

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (A2): Physics Department Christmas letters (1968)

1939-1941

62

8

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (A3): Publicity (1968)

1941-1967, undated

62

9

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B1): Anderson (1968)

1941-1942, undated

62

10

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B2): Bell Labs (1968)

1941-1967

62

11

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B4): Buchanan (1968)

1941-1951

62

12

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B6): Henry, ISU Engineering Extension (1968)

1966

62

13

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B7): Legvold (1968)

1942-1971

62

14

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B8): Marvin, G. E. (1968)

1941, undated

62

15

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B9): Mather (1968)

1942

62

16

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B10): Mauchly (1968)

1941

62

17

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B11): Milne (1968)

1938-1940

62

18

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B12): Orr, ISCU Library; Yates, ISU Library (1968)

1963-1972

62

19

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B13): Richards (1968)

1963-1966

62

20

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B14): Thorne (1968)

1937-1942, undated

62

21

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B15): Vaile (1968)

1939-1967

62

22

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (B16): Miscellaneous correspondence (1968)

1936-1968

62

23

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (C1): Office search (1968)

undated

62

24

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (C2): Bradley (1968)

1959-1964

62

25

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (C2): Bradley (1968)

1967-1967

62

26

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (C3): Trexler (1968)

1927-1968

62

27

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (D1): ISU, Research Corporation, Rockefeller Foundation, etc. (1968)

1939-1942

63

1

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (D2): IBM (1968)

1934-1973

63

2

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (D3): Remington Rand (1968)

1940

63

3

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (D4): Support - Rockefeller, Scientific Aids, Other (1968)

1940-1941

63

4

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (E1): Contracts Including JVA-CEB (1968)

undated

63

5

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (E2): JVA - ISU Research Foundation (1968)

1927-1966

63

6

Atanasoff Litigation Docs (E3): ISU Research (1968)

1940-1967

25

7

Bell Labs article

1967

25

1

Black and white still photographs (11), Negatives (23)

undated

38

9

Black and white still photographs (21), some original and some copies, Drawings (3) (photocopies)

1940 circa

23

8

Black and white still photographs (42) of the ABC, JVA and Atanasoff family and correspondence

1940-1985 circa

26

7

Black and white still photographs of the ABC (5)

1940 circa

63

9

Bobroff

1969

25

8

Buchanan notes (photocopies)

1951

46

 

Case transcript, Volume II: Sperry Rand Corporation v Control Data Corporation

1970 circa

25

4

Christmas letters (original)

1939-1941

27

5

Chronological event list

1967 circa

33

4

Chronological event lists

1968 circa

61

6

Clifford Berry’s death

1963-1967, undated

62

4

Computer schematics

1968

27

1

Computing Machine article (photocopy)

undated

23

10

Computing machine notes (photocopy)

undated

62

2

Contracts

1967-1968

61

8

Contacts regarding ABM

1966-1968, undated

40

 

Copies of documents used in case

1970 circa

40

 

Copies of documents used in case

1970 circa

33

8

Correspondence

1972

61

4

Correspondence - Eckert, Mauchly & Atanasoff Meeting in Washington, D.C. (photocopies)

1944

63

7

Correspondence - Litigation stipulations

1968

24

9

Correspondence: miscellaneous (original)

1940

24

7

Correspondence: resistors (original)

1939-1940

24

8

Correspondence: vacuum tubes (original)

1939-1941

28

4

Correspondence and agreement with ISURF

1968-1972

24

6

Correspondence and information: condensors (original)

1939-1940

25

23

Correspondence and material: Clifford Berry (originals and photocopies)

1939-1974

47

3

Correspondence and memorandum, Original draft for patent

1941-1974

28

5

Correspondence between law office and ISU

1968-1971

27

7

Correspondence relating to ISU case participation

1968-1971

27

8

Correspondence relating to ISU case participation

1971

28

3

Correspondence relating to ISU case participation

1970-1971

28

1

Correspondence relating to ISU case participation

1971

28

2

Correspondence relating to ISU case participation

1971

27

2

Correspondence relating to JVA deposition

1969

63

11

Correspondence - Uta Merzbach

1980

25

21

Correspondence with Charles Bradley (original)

1964-1967

25

18

Correspondence with Charles Thorne (original)

1937-1942

25

6

Correspondence with Clifford Anderson (original)

1941

25

24

Correspondence with Clifford Berry (originals and photocopies)

1939-1963

25

12

Correspondence with General Electric (original)

1941

25

9

Correspondence with George Gross (original)

1940

26

2

Correspondence with IBM (original)

1934-1954

25

10

Correspondence with ISU concerning exhibit (original)

1966

26

4

Correspondence with ISU/Research Council (original)

1939-1942

25

26

Correspondence with ISURF

1938-1966

25

14

Correspondence with John Mauchly (original)

1941

26

6

Correspondence with Mathematics Tables Project, Project description for consideration (originals)

1942

25

17

Correspondence with R.K. Richards (original)

1963

26

3

Correspondence with Remington Rand (original)

1940

25

22

Correspondence with Richard Trexler (original)

1937-1942

25

13

Correspondence with Robert Mather (original)

1942

25

16

Correspondence with Robert Orr/ISU Library (original)

1963

25

19

Correspondence with Robert Vail (original)

1939-1940

25

11

Correspondence with Sam Legvold (original)

1942-1967

25

15

Correspondence with W.E. Milne (original)

1938-1940

27

6

Correspondence, affidavits, briefs relating to ISU case participation, agreement with ISU

1968

31

7

Correspondence, articles on the history of computing, JVA company

1952-1970 circa

47

6

Correspondence, case transcripts (Maryland case/ISURF)

1968-1971 circa

47

7

Correspondence, case transcripts (Maryland case/ISURF)

1968-1971 circa

48

1

Correspondence, case transcripts (Maryland case/ISURF)

1968-1971 circa

47

5

Correspondence, case transcripts (Maryland case/ISURF) Honeywell Inc. v Sperry Rand legal records

1968-1971 circa

23

7

Correspondence, condensors (photocopies)

1939

23

11

Correspondence, ISU Research Foundation (photocopies)

1939-1967

23

4

Correspondence, miscellaneous (photocopies)

1940

25

20

Correspondence, miscellaneous (original)

1939-1959

23

6

Correspondence, resistors (photocopies)

1939-1941

23

5

Correspondence, vacuum tubes (photocopies)

1939-1941

26

1

Correspondence-financial support for the ABC (original)

1940

25

25

Data and drawings for computer model

1968

32

2

Decision

1973

63

8

Deposition of Albert S. Davis, Jr.

1968

61

9

Deposition of Lura Atanasoff

1967

28

6

Deposition of Richard Trexler

1971

61

10

Deposition of Sam Legvold

1967

19

5

Depositions (0/13/1967)

1967

19

3

Depositions (10/11/1967)

1967

19

6

Depositions (10/12/1971)

1971

23

3

Description and correspondence relating to the ABC, (photocopy)

1925-1942 circa

42

1

Documents submitted by S.C. Yuter, attorney for Arthur Burks

1970 circa

24

5

Draft: computing machine (original)

1940 circa

24

4

Draft contract for ABC (original), correspondence (original), and articles

1937-1940, undated

27

4

Drawings and notes (photocopies)

undated

27

3

Drawings of the ABC (originals)

undated

61

5

Eckert, “A Survey of digital Computer Memory Systems”

1953

61

7

ENIAC patent

1964

23

2

Evidence from foundations

undated

23

12

Evidence of conception (photocopies)

1939-1942

34

4

Exhibits related to deposition

undated

34

5

Exhibits related to deposition

undated

28

7

File copies

1971 circa

24

2

Fiscal statements (original)

1940-1941

25

2

Guide to documents furnished by JVA

1968 circa

23

13

Handwritten notes (Cliff Berry) and typed notes

undated

40

 

Honeywell Inc. v Sperry Rand: Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order for Judgment (Volume)

1973

63

10

Honeywell Inc. v. Sperry Rand: Findings of Fact, Section 3 Atanasoff

1973

61

12

Information on Atanasoff, Berry, and ABC

1967, undated

61

13

Information on Atanasoff, Berry, and ABC

1967, undated

63

12

Information on Atanasoff, Berry, and ABC - drafts

undated

20

1

JVA Deposition  (2/13/1968)

1968

38

3

List and notes

1970 circa

48

 

Maryland/ISURF case transcript

1968-1971 circa

60

15

Material selected by Dodds

1937-1968

22

5

Mauchly testimony (11/10/1971)

1971

22

3

Mauchly testimony (11/8/1971) and JVA comments

1971, undated

22

4

Mauchly testimony (11/9/1971)

1971

46

4

Memorandum and correspondence

1971

62

1

Miscellaneous notes and worksheets, ABM

1967, undated

23

14

Original notes (photocopy) and graphs

1939, undated

61

3

Parmenter correspondence

1941

60

12

Patents

1915-1927

60

13

Patents

1931-1953

60

14

Patents

1931-1940

61

1

Patents

1940-1954

24

3

Payroll vouchers (originals)

1941

40

 

Plaintiff's Final Brief on the Merits (Volume)

1973 circa

25

5

Publicity (original)

1941-1942

23

9

Punched card equipment (photocopy)

undated

26

5

Randall, Prof. Bran

1968-1976

60

16

Research Corporation correspondence

1940

61

2

Research Corporation files from Albert Davis

1940-1967, undated

26

5

Revised article

undated

33

5

Revisions to JVA deposition

1968 circa

33

6

Revisions to JVA deposition

1968 circa

47

4

Richard Trexler deposition

1970 circa

34

1

Selected portions of JVA deposition

undated

34

2

Selected portions of JVA deposition

undated

34

3

Selected portions of JVA deposition

undated

31

5

Selected testimony of JVA

undated

31

6

Selected testimony of JVA

undated

49

 

Sperry Rand v Control Data case transcript

1970 circa

32

1

Transcript notes, "Beginning of Electronic Digital Computing" (JVA)

1971, 1982 circa

19

4

Transcript of proceedings (11/11/1971)

1971

43

1

Transcript of proceedings (6/15/71)

1971

43

2

Transcript of proceedings (6/16/71)

1971

43

3

Transcript of proceedings (6/17/71)

1971

43

4

Transcript of proceedings (6/18/71)

1971

43

5

Transcript of proceedings (6/21/71)

1971

43

6

Transcript of proceedings (6/22/71)

1971

43

7

Transcript of proceedings (6/22/71)

1971

44

1

Transcript of proceedings (6/24/71)

1971

44

2

Transcript of proceedings (6/25/71)

1971

29

1

Trial transcript, volume I

undated

30

3

Trial transcript, volume I

undated

29

2

Trial transcript, volume II

undated

29

3

Trial transcript, volume II

undated

29

4

Trial transcript, volume III

undated

29

5

Trial transcript, volume III

undated

29

6

Trial transcript, volume III

undated

29

7

Trial transcript, volume IV

undated

31

3

Trial transcript, volume IX

undated

31

4

Trial transcript, volume IX

undated

30

1

Trial transcript, volume V

undated

30

2

Trial transcript, volume V

undated

30

4

Trial transcript, volume VI

undated

30

5

Trial transcript, volume VI

undated

30

6

Trial transcript, volume VII

undated

30

7

Trial transcript, volume VII

undated

31

1

Trial transcript, volume VIII

undated

31

2

Trial transcript, volume VIII

undated

23

1

Typed carbon of manual (photocopy)

undated

60

17

W. D. Anderson correspondence

1940-1941

33

7

Work schedule

1971 circa

 

Description of series

Series 7

Language study

1944-1987, undated

extent:

68 folders

description:

This series contains published materials, notes, and correspondence, related to Atanasoff's experimentation and study of the creation of a new alphabet. Atanasoff firmly believed that a digital alphabet should be developed as the current alphabet was too difficult for children to learn.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

34

11

"Writing in English" (JVA-5 copies)

undated

2

3

"Writing" (presentation)

undated

2

17

"Writing" (various drafts)

undated

2

15

Alphabet

1970

1

18

Alphabet correspondence

1980

1

13

Alphabet design notes

1965-1970

2

16

Alphabet notes

1973-1975

2

18

Article

1966

2

20

Articles and correspondence: I.J. Gelb

1979-1980

63

13

"Binary Alphabet" Frontispiece

1976

2

22

Biographical information: Sir James Pitman

undated

1

2

Brain studies

undated

36

9

Bulgarian alphabet

1983

2

12

Center for Applied Linguistics

1965-1969

1

5

China

undated

36

16

Clippings

1977-1985

1

17

Correspondence

1972-1974

2

13

Correspondence

1972-1973

35

5

Correspondence

1985

2

19

Correspondence: I.J. Gelb

1972

36

10

Correspondence: Valerie Yule

1984-1987

36

14

Correspondence and notes

1984

2

9

Correspondence: Ben Wood

1972-1975

2

10

Correspondence: Gerald Baker

1973-1974

2

11

Correspondence: Marvin Linford

1974

1

15

Cursive writing

undated

35

11

Data on probabilities

1973

34

10

Deseret alphabet articles (photocopies)

1953-1969, undated

1

25

Digital alphabet article

1975 circa

3

3

Dvorak typewriter

undated

1

10

English

undated

1

4

Hawaiian language

undated

36

12

Information redundancy

1972-1977, undated

2

21

Initial Teaching Alphabet

1963-1974

63

14

Iran

1970-1976

1

6

Japan

undated

2

2

Japanese letters and correspondence (mention of 1973 judgment)

1974-1980

2

23

Japanese scholar contact information

undated

1

7

Language symposium notes

1974

1

23

Laubach

undated

1

9

Learning to read

undated

34

12

Lecture

1984

1

14

Legibility and readability notes

1970

2

1

Letters, data sheet

undated

5

7

Naval Ordnance Lab: notes on alphabet

1944-1947

1

12

New Alphabet (article)

undated

35

3

Notes

undated

38

1

Notes and printed materials

1970 circa

21

11

Notes on writing

undated

2

6

Numeralphabet

1964-1970

1

11

Phoneme considerations data

1975

1

27

Presentation at ISU - Language study (continued)

1983

1

24

Presentations

undated

35

2

Proposal for Optimum Alphabet

1974

1

22

Proposals

1974

35

4

Published materials and presentations

1970 circa-1980

1

1

Sight reading of music

undated

2

8

Speech

1977

1

8

Study of sound

undated

1

21

Theory of writing notes

1980

1

16

Time comprehension calculations and notes

1973

1

19

Tune, Editor of Spelling Progress correspondence

1979-1980

1

20

Typewriter design notes and still photographs (8)

1972-1980

2

7

U.S. Office of Education Study of Literacy

1975

1

3

Various alphabets

undated

2

14

Vocabulary data

1972

1

26

Writings

1970-1975

36

11

Writings

1970 circa-1980

36

13

Writings

1976, undated

 

Description of series

Series 8

Printed materials

1927-2004

extent:

43 folders

description:

This series contains a varying amount of printed material, relating to Atanasoff's research interest. Included are reprint articles and theses of former students and other researchers, and articles and clippings relating to the history of computing.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

63

15

Annals of the History of Computing issue honoring Atanasoff and Eckert

1995

63

16

Annals of the History of Computing

1996-1998

63

17

Annals of the History of Computing

2000-2004

63

18

Article on Atanasoff and the history of computing

1999

4

11

Article on teacher certification (Stout) and speech on the Space Age (Hannum)

1958, undated

16

2

Articles

1937-1941

42

2-5

Articles on the history of computing

1974-1978

49

6

Articles on the history of computing, "Calvin Mooers, the NOL Computer Project, and JVA: An Intro"

2001

63

19

Controversy regarding Mauchly-Eckert Statements (Metropolis)/Rome meeting

1973-1981

63

20

Cook, Roy Herbert thesis

1940

14

19

Cosmos Club bulletin

1993

Map

case

Digital Equipment Corporation poster honoring J. Forrester

undated

49

3

International Symposium on Modular Computing

2003

63

21

Kaplan, Bonnie thesis

1972

14

20

Mt. Airy newspaper

1993

15

1

Newspaper clippings

1974-1993

41

28

"Operator's Manual for ENIAC Dynamic Display" (Arthur Burks)

undated

37

4

Pamphlets on seismology

1946-1947

41

9

Patent: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, (J.P. Eckert, et al)

1947

22

9

Printed materials: ENIAC

1949, 1982

6

3

Printed materials: Local Climatological Data

1953

17

7

Report (JVA and students)

1945

63

22

Reprint article (Clifford E. Berry): "Effects of Initial Energies on Mass Spectra"

1950

18

1

Reprint articles

1940-1941

18

2

Reprint articles

1940-1941

17

9

Reprint articles (JVA students)

1930-1937

17

10

Reprint articles (JVA students)

1940-1949

16

3

Reprint articles (other authors)

1930-1932

16

4

Reprint articles (other authors)

1933-1934

16

5

Reprint articles (other authors)

1935-1936

16

6

Reprint articles (other authors)

1937-1938

17

1

Reprint articles (other authors)

1938-1939

17

2

Reprint articles (other authors)

1950-1952

41

15-20

Reprints (JVA)

1930-1984

17

8

Reprints articles (JVA students)

1927-1929

41

29

"Super Electronic Computing Machine" (Arthur Burks), "Electronic Computing Circuits of the ENIAC"

1946, undated

13

3

Texas Instruments calculator information

1980 circa

13

4

Texas Instruments calculator information

1980 circa

42

12

"The ENIAC: First General-Purpose Electronic Computer" (Arthur W. Burks and Alice R. Burks)

1981

41

10

"Theory of Self-Reproducing Automata" (John von Neumann)

1966

17

5

Theses (JVA students)

1939-1941

17

6

Theses (JVA students)

1935-1939

22

2

U.S. Dept. of Commerce circular on photographic lenses

1953

42

1

"Who Invented the General-Purpose Electronic Computer" (Arthur Burks) and newspaper clippings on Sperry-Rand and Mauchly, (photocopies)

1968-1974