Re: Watching the Economy Crumble


Russell.Martin@xxxxxxx wrote:
> BMJ wrote:
> >
> > Electronic devices existed before the transistor.
>
> Well, then, quantum theory, or Franklin's observations on the
> nature of electricity, or the smelting of copper. :-)
>
> > What was
> > fundamentally different about the latter was how it was constructed and
> > operated.
>
> Solid state devices (diodes) existed before transistors. Three
> connection amplifying devices existed before transistors. It
> can be argued that transistors were merely a logical extension
> of those more "fundamental" devices.
>

That is exactly right. All microelectronics might not get off the
ground without quantum mechanics and based on that solid-state physics.
In ancient time people where able to invent and develop stone-throwing
machines but that was probably the last successful example of empirical
development.

Old Pif

.

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