The Computer and the Brain
by Von Neumann, John
- Used
- Hardcover
- first
- Condition
- Near Fine in Near Fine Dustjacket
- Seller
-
Portland, Maine, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
"Von Neumann's war-related computer activities spurred his further interest in theoretical issues of the information sciences. His main concern was for developing a general, logical theory of automata. His hope was that this general theory would unify the work of Turing on theoretical machines, of McCulloch and Pitts on neural networks, and of Shannon on communication theory. Whereas Wiener attempted to unify cybernetics around the idea of feedback and control problems, von Neumann hoped to unify the various results, in both the biological and mechanical realms, around the concept of an information processorâ which he called an âautomaton.' (The term automaton had been in use since antiquity to refer to a device that carries out actions through the use of a hidden motive power; von Neumann was concerned with those automata whose primary action was the processing of information.)
"The task of constructing a general and logical theory of automata was too large for von Neumann to carry out in detail with the final few years of his career. Instead, he attempted to provide a programmatic framework for the future development of the general theory and limited himself to developing specific aspects, including the logical theory of automata, the statistical theory of automata, the theory of complexity and self-replication, and the comparison of the computer and the brain." (Aspray 1958, 133-34)
Minsky 1963, 506.
Ownership signature of GE Wright (presumably the noted biblical scholar). Minimal shelf/edge wear, ownership signature at ffep, else tight, bright, and unmarred; DJ shows minor shelf/edge wear. Gray cloth boards, black ink lettering; pictorial DJ. Small 8vo. 82pp plus np history of the lecture series (4pp).
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Details
- Bookseller
- Lux Mentis, Booksellers (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 11230
- Title
- The Computer and the Brain
- Author
- Von Neumann, John
- Format/Binding
- Hardcover
- Book Condition
- Used - Near Fine in Near Fine Dustjacket
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- First Edition
- Publisher
- Yale University Press
- Place of Publication
- New Haven and London
- Date Published
- 1958
- Weight
- 0.00 lbs
Terms of Sale
Lux Mentis, Booksellers
U.S. postage is $6.50 for the 1st title/volume and $2.00 for each additional title/volume and are sent Media Mail, Insured (except for sets and oversized items, which are calculated on a per order basis). Express mail, overseas rates and special handling are available on request. Payment is expected in advance by all but institutional buyers unless arrangements are made in advance. All orders are shipped via the United States Post Office or FedEx unless otherwise requested. Maine residents must add 5.5% sales tax unless a resale or tax exemption certificate is sent. Items are returnable within 10 days if not as described for full refund. Any other return is handled on a case by case basis, our goal being the complete satisfaction of all parties involved. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us at http://www.luxmentis.com.
About the Seller
Lux Mentis, Booksellers
About Lux Mentis, Booksellers
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Tight
- Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.
- FFEP
- A common abbreviation for Front Free End Paper. Generally, it is the first page of a book and is part of a single sheet that...
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
- Device
- Especially for older books, a printer's device refers to an identifying mark, also sometimes called a printer's mark, on the...
- Cloth
- "Cloth-bound" generally refers to a hardcover book with cloth covering the outside of the book covers. The cloth is stretched...
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...