Preface by Klara von Neumann
Introduction
PART 1 THE COMPUTER
The Analog Procedure
The Conventional Basic Operations
Unusual Basic Operations
The Digital Procedure
Markers, Their Combinations and Embodiments
Digital Machine Types and Their Basic Components
Parallel and Serial Schemes
The Conventional Basic Operations
Logical Control
Plugged Control
Logical Tape Control
The Principle of Only One Organ for Each Basic Operation
The Consequent Need for a Special Memory Organ
Control by "Control Sequence" Points
Memory-Stored Control
Modus Operandi of the Memory-Stored Control
Mixed Forms of Control
Mixed Numerical Procedures
Mixed Representations of Numbers; Machines Built on This Basis
Precision
Reasons for the High (Digital) Precision Requirements
Characteristics of Modern Analog Machines
Characteristics of Modern Digital Machines
Active Components; Questions of Speed
Number of Active Components Required
Memory Organs; Access Times and Memory Capacities
Memory Registers Built from Active Organs
The Hierarchic Principle for Memory Organs
Memory Components; Questions of Access
Complexities of the Concept of Access Time
The Principle of Direct Addressing
PART 2 THE BRAIN
Simplified Description of the Function of the Neuron
The Nature of the Nerve Impulse
The Process of Stimulation
The Mechanism of Stimulating Pulses by Pulses; Its Digital
Character
Time Characteristics of Nerve Response,Fatigue, and Recovery
Size of a Neuron; Comparisons with Artificial Components
Energy Dissipation; Comparisons with Artificial Components
Summary of Comparisons
Stimulation Criteria
The Simplest—Elementary Logical
More Complicated Stimulation Criteria
The Threshold
The Summation Time
Stimulation Criteria for Receptors
