This power of habit review gives an in-depth look at the "must read" habit change book. Find out the highlights of this self-help masterpiece.
A Jacquard Loom The Jacquard loom was invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in Lyon in 1801 to weave textiles, mainly silk. It stored weaving programmes in a series of punched cards. Usually, about 4,000 cards were used for each design, though a portrait of Jacquard [see below] needed 24,000 cards. I have seen one of these portraits [in the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, Paris] and the quality is remarkable. Automatic looms were already in use but could only produce simple designs. Complex patterns had to be produced by hand weavers. The Jacquard loom allowed complex designs to be machine produced. In a process that was very reminiscent of that once used to create computer programs a design would be drawn on paper and a punch card machine would be used to create a set of cards. These were then stitched together. Card punch Once a set had been tested it could easily be duplicated on another specialised machine. Sets of cards could then be sold to other weavers or used on several machines simultaneously. Essinger claims that the Jacquard loom increased the productivity of weavers about 24 fold and transformed the Lyon silk weaving industry. A silk print of Jacquard produced on one of his looms Jacquard's invention was not completely original. It built on earlier work by three other inventors. Basile Bouchon invented a way to control a loom [see below] with a perforated paper tape in 1725. A year later his co-worker Jean-Baptiste Falcon improved the design by using perforated paper cards instead of a tape. This made it easier to quickly change programs. However, the Bouchon-Falcon loom was only semi-automatic. In 1745 Jacques de Vaucanson built on the work of Bouchon and Falcon and created the world's first completely automated loom. His invention attracted the hostility of hand weavers and was largely ignored. A Bouchon Loom The Jacquard loom separated a loom from the instructions used to operate it. This stored program concept can be directly traced to the architecture of modern computers. Jacquard did not invent the idea of separating a machine and the instructions to operate the machine [stored program concept]. That was done by Bouchon. Nor did he invent the idea of storing instructions on punched cards. That was done by Falcon. Jacquards contribution was to use the ideas of Bouchon and Falcon and produce an efficient and practical card controlled loom. Jacquard machines were soon employed in other industries. These cards were employed in Nottingham's [UK] lace industry. Jacquard is important in the history of computing because his loom influenced Charles Babbage who had the idea of using punched cards to control his Analytical Engine. Babbage certainly knew of Jacquard's device. He owned a copy of the machine woven portrait of Jacquard. Punched cards were also used by Herman Hollerith to input US Census data to his tabulating machines. Hollerith's contribution was to use punched cards to store data as well as programs. This was another important milestone in the development of modern computers. Punched cards were used extensively for data processing until the mid 1980s. IBM developed a range of powerful card processors. As electronic computers developed they slowly replaced the card processors. IBM card processing units In 1945 John von Neumann developed the von Neumann architecture for computers. This separated data from the programme used to process the data, and both from the computing device. Just as Jacquard separated silk, punched cards and loom. Essinger, J., 2007. Jacquard's Web: How a Hand-loom Led to the Birth of the Information Age New Ed., Oxford University Press. More Industrial Revelations [DVD] 2010 has an excellent episode [Cutting it Fine] on Jacquards Loom covering the inventions that preceded and followed Jacquards Loom. It also shows how the cards were produced. Paradise Mill is part of the Silk Museum in in Macclesfield. This mill was Macclesfield's last working Jacquard silk-weaving mill until its closure in 1981. Cheaper imported silks and high quality new synthetic materials made the production of silk in England an uneconomic prospect. It is a large mill and still houses over 20 original fully working Jacquard looms - each still capable of producing the kind of intricate and delicate woven patternwork that made Macclesfield famous throughout Britain for the production of fine silks These looms have been lovingly restored to their original working condition, and can be seen in operation during the guided tours organised by the Silk Museum.
One of the great gifts of Benedict of Nursia to all time was his insistence that work can be prayer. Many saints have repeated this lesson down through the ages. St Therese of Lisieux’s little way …
What is habit stacking? What is a habit stacking routine? Discover core elements of habit stacking in this detailed book excerpt from SJ Scott's bestseller.
This is a print from our collection of photographic and illustrative material from Waddington’s publications. It illustrates the epigenetic landscape, the concept for which Waddington is perhaps be…
Instagram is a good platform for artists, and "YES, BUT" stands out as a beacon of thoughtful artistry when it comes to finding interesting content.
These 50 best happy quotes are positive, uplifting, motivating and just plain funny. Share them with your friends and family to make someone's day a little bit brighter.
These shocking pictures illustrate the sad reality of everyday life humans live now, and the sad part is, change doesn't seem to be near.
Nutrient dense foods are foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals relative to the calories they contain. Learn some of the most nutrient dense foods to incorporate into your diet.
If you're looking for a little inspiration, motivation and encouragement, we're sharing our favorite quotes that make you think about love and life!
Talking to yourself is undoubtedly the best conversation you will ever have. But is it actually good for you?
There are often signs of unhappiness in relationships that can make us question whether or not we should stay committed to whomever we are with. Thus, looking for indicators of divorce can help us make the right decision in a shorter amount of time…
Moms are awesome. They're like superheroes. There's literally nothing they can't do. Except for when it comes to text messaging perhaps. And though they try their hardest to keep up with the times and the communication methods of our time, trying often pairs with failing.
Discover 17+ charming and unique pregnancy announcement ideas featuring your furry friend! Get inspired with adorable photos and creative tips for including dogs in your special reveal. Perfect for pet-loving parents-to-be!
Kids will love learning about the components of blood with this fun and memorable activity - make a blood model!
I can't seem to get close to anyone without feeling a spark of attraction, even though I'm married. Do I need to keep cutting off these friendships?
a quick and simple calming strategy craft to teach students about deep breathing.
Try these 10 stretches to loosen up all your tight and sore muscles and feel as good as if you’d had an actual massage. (OK, almost as good.)
Goal setting can be a wonderful vessel for expression. But how would self-love change the way you set goals?
In this post we will tickle your funny bone with over 100 funny Christian memes. They are sure to give you a good laugh and great to share with your friend. So, let's get ready
If you're looking for a little inspiration, motivation and encouragement, we're sharing our favorite quotes that make you think about love and life!
20 Relatable Truths For Mostly-Functioning Adults - Funny memes that "GET IT" and want you to too. Get the latest funniest memes and keep up what is going on in the meme-o-sphere.
Want perky, firm, fuller breasts? Aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or poor lifestyle left your breasts sagging? Do these 17 exercises to lift your breasts!
In this post we will tickle your funny bone with over 100 funny Christian memes. They are sure to give you a good laugh and great to share with your friend. So, let's get ready
Falling head over heels can be a powerful thing. This is how the psychology of men in love differs from women based on science.
Learn about the human digestive system for kids twith this memorable digestion experiment. ZANY human body project making poop!
Discover the benefits of lymphatic massage and how it can improve your overall well-being. Learn about this therapeutic technique at Magnolia Wellness.
Find minimalist habits that work best for you so that YOU can find what really matters most in life. Set goals and values to find minimalism.
"Should we break up?" It's a question that most of us get to at one point or another. You're in a relationship that is less-than-perfect, but you don't know if it's actually at a point where you need to end it. It's a tough balance, because you…
One box I can always count on being checked on the needs assessment is ☑WORRY. Our students are coming to school with worries about friendships, home life, their school performance and so much more. Researchers estimate that nearly 32% of adolescents (ages 13-18) experience an anxiety disorder. Additionally, in a survey of children aged 10-11 in England
Tight hips are a common problem, but hip stretches can help! Practice these 9 yoga poses for tight hips for tension relief.
Many years ago, before I fell in love with a short guy, I was one of the many American women who only had eyes for the tall ones. I'm sure you're familiar with the situation — I salivated over any dude who was over six feet, even though, at 5' 2",…