Word: mathematician
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...suspects a malfunction, it does not react impetuously. Before calling in a standby, it will first give the balky unit a chance to redeem itself by letting it repeat the task. But what if TARP itself is having an off day? Adapting an idea first proposed by the late mathematician John von Neumann, Avižienis divided TARP's brain into three independent lobes. If one lobe detects an error not subsequently confirmed by its two partners, the outvoted lobe will also be dismissed. Later, it may be given another chance. But if it continues to disagree with...
...mechanical world view," the "megamachine," "technological exhibitionism"-never, thank God, the military-industrial complex. He has nothing but contempt for scientists who dream about dashing off into space or recreating life on another planet, when they have made such a botch of this one. He quotes a mathematician defending the costly moon project: "Technological possibilities are irresistible to man. If man can go to the moon, he will" Why not, suggests Mumford, carry this notion to its logical conclusion: "If man has the power to exterminate all life on earth, he will...
...chair, a test tube, a loaf of bread...art is a mathematician's formula, a philosopher's way of life, any man's dreams...
Nixon's house economists are gambling on an upturn by midsummer, and experts like Leif Olsen, senior vice president and economist of First National City Bank, see a lessening of inflation. No one has more riding on an inflationary slowdown than Nixon himself. As a political mathematician, he need only look at economics statistics to realize that few groups have been hit harder by the recession than the usually secure middle class of the West and Midwestern industrial centers that helped him to victory...
Harnessing solar energy is hardly a new accomplishment. Nearly 22 centuries ago, the Greek mathematician Archimedes is said to have temporarily saved Syracuse from Roman conquest by setting the invading fleet aflame with numerous large mirrors. In the 18th century, the pioneer French chemist Lavoisier produced enough heat with 52-inch-wide lenses to power his experiments. Though Lavoisier's work was cut short by the French Revolution (he was guillotined), his history has not discouraged contemporary French scientists-notably Physical Chemist Felix...