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.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
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:
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 (Iām 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)