Conclusion Subpoena of Mauchly in case of Honeywell Inc. vs. Sperry-Rand Corp.,
6 May 1970. |
| In October 1973 Judge Earl
Larson of the U.S. District Court in Minnesota rendered a decision
invalidating the ENIAC patent. But rather than being a clear judgement as
to who invented the electronic computer, this decision and the law suit,
Honeywell v. Sperry-Rand, have done more to polarize opinions
with respect to the varied contributions of many different individuals.
In fact, this decision points to some of the limitations of the U.S.
patent system with respect to complex technologies. Namely, the U.S.
patent system sets forth certain pressures to name a sole inventor when
invention itself is a often a highly collaborative process. We hope that
this exhibition reveals something of the complexities involved in the
process of invention. We hope also that in approaching the fifty-year
mark of modern computing, we can recognize the diverse contributions of
individuals, regardless of what we individually consider to be its
origins. |
 Mauchly and Eckert receiving the Harry Goode Medal of the American
Federation of Information Processing Societies in 1966. |
Mauchly had a successful career. Whatever the various
turns in his life, he designed and oversaw the development of the first
large-scale general purpose electronic computer. He created a start-up
venture which he eventually sold at a profit to the company that went on
to manufacture his computer. His work as a consultant was also
successful. Moreover, Mauchly received academic recognition for his
contributions: the Potts Medal of the Franklin Institute in 1949 and the
Harry Goode Medal of the American Federation of Information Processing
Societies in 1966. |
|
 Obituary, New York Times, 10 January 1980,
page B-12 |
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