News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by JoeAltmaier on Friday July 15, 2022 @08:01AM (#32107201)
I've often thought we could have had integrated circuits shortly after the invention of photography. 150 years earlier! It would make an interesting steampunk world with steam and hydraulics and CPUs.
Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by nousermane on Friday July 15, 2022 @08:10AM (#32107260)
Only as in "ability to replicate that alien technology".

In the same way, all materials and construction techniques for 1896 Marconi radio receiver were available in Ancient Greece.

Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by varjag on Friday July 15, 2022 @08:22AM (#32107329)
The theoretical stack required for successful IC design very much guarantees it wouldn't remain at steampunk.
Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by JoeAltmaier on Friday July 15, 2022 @08:27AM (#32107374)
Remember, 'integrated' meant initially just 'more than one component'. It would start with poster-sized wiring diagrams, switch elements, photosensitive spots etc. As it got smaller and more circuit elements were added the math may have progressed with it.
Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by varjag on Friday July 15, 2022 @11:41AM (#32109267)
It's more than the math. It requires modern understanding of electromagnetism and material science accounting for semiconductors. From that things like practical electric motors/generators and plethora other technologies become essentially a corollary.
Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by ttyprintk on Friday July 15, 2022 @05:51PM (#32113193)
You might find these comments interesting:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17371343

Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by antonhowes on Friday July 15, 2022 @12:47PM (#32110103)
If you write that up, please send me the link (I’m the OP)
Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by caymanjim on Friday July 15, 2022 @09:04AM (#32107716)
Why did you think that? We didn't have transistors until the 1960s.
Re:Why wasn't the steam engine invented earlier? Part II by JoeAltmaier on Friday July 15, 2022 @09:19AM (#32107860)
Well, integrated circuits started as just 'more than one component' on the same device. So a sensor and a switch perhaps. Or a resistor network. Etc. Start there and you rapidly improve (just like it happened later)