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 census is a national undertaking, and its success depends on the efficiency of its methods.
The punch card is a simple idea with profound implications.
The goal is not to eliminate human labor, but to elevate it.
The machine is a testament to the human intellect.
The ability to quickly and accurately process data is essential for modern society.
The future of business lies in the intelligent use of data.
The machine is a servant to the mind.
The more we automate, the more time we have for creativity.
The punch card system is a universal language for data.
The efficiency of a nation can be measured by its ability to manage information.
The machine is a tool for progress.
The electrical tabulating system revolutionized the way we handle information.
The future of government lies in data-driven decision making.
The machine is a silent partner in the pursuit of knowledge.
The punch card is the foundation of modern computing.
The ability to count and classify quickly is paramount in a complex society.
The machine is a force multiplier for human intelligence.
The future is about making the invisible visible through data.
The electrical tabulating system is a testament to the power of simple principles applied ingeniously.
The machine allows us to see patterns where before there was only chaos.
Contemporaries of Herman Hollerith
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Herman Hollerith (1860–1929).