No straightforward answers here

Librarian,

Pls help:

a) Who invented the first computer?
b) Who invented cars?

Thank you

Thank you for your enquiry.

There are differing accounts on who invented the first computer, depending on what you mean by a computer. To some people, it can mean anything that helps you to do calculations, even if it is a mechanical machine. The first such machine that was considered by some to be a computer was invented in 1800s by Charles Babbage, called a 'Difference Engine' or 'Analytic Engine' (information from "An A to Z of almost everything" by Trevor Montague [2007], call no. 032 A). To others, a computer must be an electrical device. The first electrical machine, called Z3, that could be programmed was built by Konrad Zuse in 1941 (information from "The inside & outside guide to inventions" by Chris Oxlade, call no. J 608 OXL). We must of course remember that today's computers are much much smaller than those first computers.

In addition, sometimes, it is not a matter of who invented it and how but that someone had an idea and other people improved on it again and again till we have the machines we use today. So in a way it is a team effort spread over a long time. To learn about how computers have progressed to what we have today, do read the interesting books above and also take a look at this website: http://inventors.about.com/library/blcoindex.htm (last accessed 11 June 08). It has quite a detailed timeline of information on the people who invented different types of computers.

For more information on computers, you may find the following books useful:
1) Computer & Communication
J 004.6 COM

2) Computer by Anne Rooney
J 004.16 ROO

3) 101 fantastic things to do with your computer by Tony & Liz Wheeler
J 004.16 WHE

If you wish to find out more about inventors and other inventions,
1) Machines and Inventions by David Jefferis
J 608 JEF

2) Great Inventions: Everyday life by Paul Dowswell
J 609 DOW

3) 100 Great Inventors
J 608.72 ONE


As for your second question on who invented cars, this is another question to which there isn't a straightforward answer. As there were different forms of automobiles in the past such as those running on steam, gasoline or electricity, therefore there were also different times and people of which these were invented by. You may wish to visit this Library of Congress website to obtain some clarity: www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/auto.html

To give you an interim answer, the first petrol-driven motor cars were made possible by the invention of the internal-combustion engine in 1863. The first motor cars, produced during the 1880s by a German engineer, Karl Benz, were known as 'horseless carrieges’.

Source:
Transport / Nigel Smith, pg. 6 (call no. Y R STU q388.09 SMI-[TPT])

In the 1880s, German engineers Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler worked independently to produce the first petrol engine. In 1885, Karl Benz built his flimsy motorized tricycle, the first petrol-powered car.

Source:
Dorling Kindersley children's illustrated encyclopedia / [senior editor, Ann Kramer]. pg. 126 (call no. J R 032 DOR)

Here are some additional websites where you can find more information:
http://inventors.about.com/od/cstartinventions/a/Car_History.htm
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/dec96/844045821.Eg.r.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile
(last accessed 11 June 08)
*For the above weblinks, you are advised to click through to the respective site's main page to read their Terms & Conditions for use of the site before continuing.

You may also check on the following titles available in the library:

1) Karl Benz / Brian Williams.
Call no: J 925 WIL

2) Great auto makers and their cars / Robert Italia.
Call no: Y 629.20922 ITA (Available only at Geylang East Library)

3) A history of cars / by David Corbett.
Call no: J 629.222 COR

4) The story of cars / Katie Daynes
Call no: J 629.222 DAY

To check on the availability of any of the above books in our libraries, please visit www.pl.sg and click on 'Search NLB catalogue' on the left sidebar.

We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using the ASK! service.