Information Theory

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 more
A Mathematical Theory of Communication

Primary Source

A Mathematical Theory of Communication

Information Theory 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
Quipu

Primary Source

Quipu

Information Theory 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
Claude Shannon

Primary Source

Claude Shannon

Information Theory 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
The Antikythera Mechanism

Primary Source

The Antikythera Mechanism

Information Theory 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
Chinese Oracle Bone

Primary Source

Chinese Oracle Bone

Information Theory 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
Cave Paintings

Primary Source

Cave Paintings

Information Theory 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
Error-Detecting and Correcting System (Patent)

Primary Source

Error-Detecting and Correcting System (Patent)

Information Theory 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
Hieroglyphs and Ancient Egyptian Writing

Primary Source

Hieroglyphs and Ancient Egyptian Writing

Information Theory 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 papyrus f…

Learn more