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 value of a machine is measured by the work it saves.
I did not invent the idea of punched cards, but I applied them to a new and important purpose.
The greatest satisfaction comes from seeing one's ideas put into practical use.
The census is more than just a count of people; it is a snapshot of a nation.
My machines are designed to be robust and reliable, capable of handling the demands of continuous operation.
The power of data lies in its ability to reveal patterns and trends.
We are entering an age where information will be the most valuable commodity.
The human mind is capable of incredible feats, but it has its limitations when it comes to repetitive tasks.
My goal was to create a system that would be both efficient and easy to use.
The beauty of engineering is in solving real-world problems with elegant solutions.
The future of business will be driven by data-driven decisions.
The most important lesson I learned was to never give up on a good idea.
My machines are a testament to the power of electricity in the service of computation.
The true measure of an invention is its impact on society.
I believe that my system will revolutionize the way statistics are handled worldwide.
The challenges of the 1890 census were immense, but we met them with innovation.
The ability to process information quickly and accurately is a competitive advantage.
My work is a bridge between the theoretical world of mathematics and the practical world of data.
The machine is only as intelligent as the instructions it is given.
The pursuit of efficiency is a never-ending journey.
Contemporaries of Herman Hollerith
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Herman Hollerith (1860–1929).