"TOWTMTEWP" Computer, circa 1972

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Artifact Overview

In 1936, Alan Turing wrote about a theoretical universal computer now referred to as a "Turing Machine." In 1972, Washington University professors Wesley Clark and Bob Arnzen likely made the first physical version of Turing's machine. Clark used the TOWTMTEWP ("The Only Working Turing Machine There Ever Was Probably") as an educational tool, demonstrating basic computer theory for his students.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Computer

Date Made

circa 1972

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2017.100.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Family of Wesley A. Clark.

Material

Metal
Rubber (Material)

Color

Silver (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 4.75 in (Reader head)
Width: 28.125 in (Reader head)
Length: 6 in (Reader head)
Height: 1.5 in (Programming board)
Width: 8 in (Programming board)
Length: 16 in (Programming board)
Height: 2 in (Control box)
Width: 6.125 in (Control box)
Length: 7.5 in (Control box)
Height: 1.5 in (Power source)
Width: 3.875 in (Power source)
Length: 5.25 in (Power source)
Height: 0.688 in (Display cell)
Width: 3.875 in (Display cell)
Length: 2.625 in (Display cell)
Height: 6 in (Bag of extra parts)
Width: 4 in (Bag of extra parts)
Height: 2 in (Ribbon cable)
Width: 9.25 in (Ribbon cable)
Height: 1.563 in (Ribbon cable)
Width: 8 in (Ribbon cable)
Height: 2 in (Box of spare parts)
Width: 7 in (Box of spare parts)
Length: 9 in (Box of spare parts)
Height: 6 in (Case)
Width: 35 in (Case)
Length: 8 in (Case)

Inscriptions

on side of power source: S/N 8911920 / TWINFLY / P1-60-5 / INPUT: 110-240V AC 2A / 50/60 Hz / OUTPUT: +5V 12A / MADE IN TAIWAN.
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