"TOWTMTEWP" Computer, circa 1972

Contact Us About This
THF170224 / "TOWTMTEWP" Computer, circa 1972
01

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.
Keywords
02

Related Content

  • 1968 Mercury Cougar Coupe
    Set

    Featured on The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation: Season 4

    • 26 Artifacts
    Ford Motor Company's Mustang, introduced in 1964, was such a success that other car makers soon copied it, including Ford itself. Mercury's Cougar was based on the Mustang, but with more upscale styling and interior appointments that made it something of a "poor man's Jaguar." This Cougar has the rare XR7-G package with a hood scoop, sun roof, and other special trim features.
    Read More
  • Apple 1 Computer, 1976
    Set

    Communications and Information Technology

    • 50 Artifacts
    This is one of the first 50 Apple 1 computers. Apple 1s were the first pre-assembled personal computers; Steve Wozniak assembled this one in Steve Jobs's family home. Before the release of the Apple 1, owning a personal computer meant building it yourself. Wozniak's refined engineering skills, coupled with Jobs's bold marketing abilities, led to a revolutionary and affordable product--as well as a successful company.
    Read More