Herman Hollerith
Invented the tabulating machine, which was crucial for processing the 1890 US Census.
Most quoted
"I came to the conclusion that if I could devise a mechanism whereby the items of information could be recorded by means of holes in cards, and then combined and counted by electrical means, the whole census problem could be solved."
— from Interview/Recollection, 1889
"My invention comprises a traveling carrier for the card, a series of electrically-controlled counters, and means for bringing the card and the counters into cooperative relation."
— from Patent Application, 1889
"The problem of handling statistics by mechanical means is one of the most interesting and important problems that has ever been presented to the inventor."
— from An Electric Tabulating System, 1889
All quotes by Herman Hollerith (430)
The future of business will be driven by data.
My machines are designed for precision and speed.
The electrical tabulating system is a bridge between raw data and meaningful information.
I believe in the power of mechanical solutions to complex problems.
The punched card is a simple idea with profound implications.
The efficiency gained by my system is immeasurable.
My work has laid the foundation for modern data processing.
The electrical tabulating machine is a tool for progress.
I am a firm believer in the practical application of scientific principles.
The challenges of the census inspired my invention.
The electrical tabulating system is a testament to perseverance.
My machines are built to last and to perform.
The future of information management starts here.
I have been called the father of the modern data processing industry, which is a rather grand title for someone who just wanted to count things faster.
My machines don't make mistakes, only the people who operate them do. And sometimes, the people who design them.
If you can't count it, you can't manage it. And if you can't manage it, you're probably in a lot of trouble.
The future belongs to those who can process information. The rest will be left to count on their fingers.
Some people think I'm a wizard. I just happen to have a better understanding of holes.
My machines are like a good wife: they do what they're told, and they do it efficiently. Though, I suppose, they don't complain as much.
They say necessity is the mother of invention. In my case, it was the sheer tedium of counting.
Contemporaries of Herman Hollerith
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Herman Hollerith (1860–1929).