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)
Success is not merely about invention, but about practical application and widespread adoption.
The satisfaction of seeing my machines at work, solving real-world problems, is immeasurable.
One must never cease to learn and adapt. The world is constantly changing.
My health is not what it once was, but my mind remains sharp and focused on the future.
The legacy of my work will be felt for generations to come.
To build something truly revolutionary, one must be willing to challenge existing paradigms.
The details of the punch card system are crucial for its accuracy and efficiency.
I find great satisfaction in the elegant simplicity of a well-designed machine.
The resistance to new ideas is often the greatest hurdle to overcome.
My family provides the anchor in a world of constant invention and business.
The potential applications for automated data processing are vast and largely unexplored.
I am a firm believer in the power of practical engineering to solve real-world problems.
The growth of the company is a testament to the value of our innovations.
Patience and persistence are virtues essential for any inventor.
The future belongs to those who can harness information effectively.
I am always seeking to improve the speed and reliability of my machines.
The support of my colleagues has been instrumental in our shared successes.
Even in retirement, the mind of an inventor never truly rests.
The principles I established will form the foundation for future computing.
The beauty of engineering lies in its ability to transform abstract ideas into tangible solutions.
Contemporaries of Herman Hollerith
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Herman Hollerith (1860–1929).