Inquiry Unit
Information Theory
One of the traits that makes humans unique from other animals is our consciousness, the fact that we can remember concrete ideas, both actual memories and abstract thoughts. These brain activities are…
Learn moreFilter Results
Primary Source
A Mathematical Theory of Communication
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
Parts I & II By C.E. Shannon Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. With this paper, Claude Shannon provided the theoretical foundation for communication engineering. It describes how inform…
Learn more
Primary Source
Quipu
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
Quipus, or Khipus, were used by civilizations of the Andes, such as the Incas and were a means of recording information. The lengths of the chords, colors, and knots were used to record numeri…
Learn more
Primary Source
Claude Shannon
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
Often noted as "the father of information theory". "The American mathematician and computer scientist who conceived and laid the foundations for information theory. His theories laid the ground…
Learn more
Primary Source
The Antikythera Mechanism
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
An Ancient Greek bronze hand-powered mechanical device that calculated astronomical positions, is described as the oldest known example of an analogue computer. In 1900, off the coast of Antiky…
Learn more
Primary Source
Chinese Oracle Bone
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
In ancient China, mainly during the late Shang dynasty, oracle bones were used as a form of divination. Inscriptions were carved on pieces of ox scapula and turtle plastron and are the oldes…
Learn more
Primary Source
Cave Paintings
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
A form of rock art found in caves typically of prehistoric origin and are representative of a means to convey information. The France Ministry of Culture (Ministere de la Culture) and the N…
Learn more
Primary Source
Samuel Morse, American Electro-Magnet Telegraph Patent and Morse Code
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
Samuel Finley Breese Morse, an accomplished painter and inventor, was convinced of the possibility of transmitting words using electricity and wires. In 1840 he patented "Improvement in the Mode o…
Learn more
Primary Source
Error-Detecting and Correcting System (Patent)
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
Richard W. Hamming, Morristown, and Bernard D. Holbrook, Madison, N.J., assignors to Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Application January 11, 19…
Learn more
Primary Source
Hieroglyphs and Ancient Egyptian Writing
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
Hieroglyphics are an original form of writing out of which all other forms have evolved. Museo Egizio, Papyrus Collection, Turin Papyrus Online Database, Book of the Dead, A 14-meter-long papyr…
Learn more