Corry L., Leviathan R. WEIZAC: An Israeli Pioneering Adventure In Electronic Computing (1945-1963)

New York: Sprnger, 2019. — 116 p.The book tells the unique story of WEIZAC, an early computer built by a “new nation” in the early 1950s. It was created in Israel, even though the feasibility of this project was actually close to null when it was initially conceived, in 1946, and, unlike most of the early computer projects, was privately financed mainly by the Jewish world community. The book draws on a wealth of documents and historical insights to reveal the processes and powers that led to the successful completion of the project and, as well as its actual impact on scientific activities in Israel, and on the rise of a local computing community. Based on archival data, the book shows how a synergy of personal dedication together with an organizational and national mission that links the Zionist vision with science and technology for the Jewish people helped to achieve a well-defined goal. The book offers intriguing insights and refreshing perspectives to all readers interested in the Zionist movement or in the history of computing.Preface and AcknowledgementsCommonly Used Abbreviations and AcronymsCreating a Top-Rated Scientific Institution in Rehovot at the Dawn of the Digital Age
EDVAC and the Stored-Program Architecture—The Early Years of Electronic Computing
Chaim Weizmann: Reputable Scientist and Zionist Leader
Creating an Institute in Rehovot (1934–1949)
Pekeris, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical BrainsThe WEIZAC Challenge: Building an Electronic Brain in Rehovot
The Institutional Challenge: Promoting an Unlikely Technological Project
The Human Challenge: Putting Together a Team
The Material Challenge: The Lab, the Components, the Budget
The Magnetic Core Memory Challenge
The Implementation Challenge: Building and Operating WEIZAC
The Scientific Challenge: The Early Impact of WEIZACConcluding Remarks: WEIZAC as a Zionist Success StoryAppendix A: Scientific Publications Based on Calculations with Early Computers
Appendix B: Scientific Publications Based on Calculations with WEIZAC (Total: 65)
Appendix C: Timeline of Events

Index