History of Computing Collection: Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company Ltd: Working Papers and Reports

The Marconi Collection comprises:

• C1, File of material re. Transistorised Automatic Computer (TAC), including: circuit diagrams, summary of order codes, technical assessments, c 1962;
• C2, File of miscellaneous material, including:
  • Mentor Design Specification, typescript, 1963. Notes re. Enhanced Myriad Machine, 1965;
  • W.D. Worthy, ALGOL Primer, typescript, 1965;
  • Typescript re Stop!?!, 1965;
  • Software Proposal: Language Assembly System and Compiler Generator Feasibility Study, typescript, 1965;
  • W.D. Worthy, Unlimited Autoextraction by Digital Filtering, interim technical memo, 1970;
  • E.R. Eastal, A Guide to the Literature Published in 1969-70 on Computer Technology, Marconi Survey Series, 1971.
• C3, Collection of Baddow Research Laboratories Interim Technical Memoranda, 1958-1970:
  • W.D. Worthy, Early Warning Radar Trackers, No. 409;
  • W.D. Worthy and M.J. Woodhead, TAC High Speed Digital Computer, No. 499;
  • W.D. Worthy, The TAC Transistorised Automatic Computer for General Purpose Computation, No. 537;
  • W.D. Worthy, The Digital Differential Analyser, No. 601;
  • W.D. Worthy, Boolean Algebra and Binary Arithmetic, No. 617;
  • W.D. Worthy, Schizophrenic Computer, No. 621;
  • M.J. Woodhead, TAC High Speed Digital Computer. PN Unit Version, No. 635;
  • W.D. Worthy and M.J. Woodhead, Mutual Checking of Two Computers, No. 739;
  • M.J. Worthy, ITM 836 TAC How It Works, No. 836;
  • W.D. and M.J. Worthy, TAC Programmer's Manual. First Edition June 1961, No. 954;
  • N.R. Sudweeks, Trigonometrical SubRoutines for TAC, No. 1002;
  • W.D. Worthy, DIC Drum Incremental Computers, No. 1089;
  • W.D. Worthy, Magnetic Core or Film DDA, No. 1205;
  • W.D. Worthy, TAC Order Code: Revised August 1962, No. 1284;
  • W.D. Worthy, Diffusion and Surface Conductivity, No. 1340;
  • B. Lewis and W.D. Worthy, Minimal Computer, No. 1447;
  • W.D. Worthy, Computer with Language Oriented Order Code, No. 1825;
  • W.D. Worthy and K. Hosking, Floating Point for Myriad, No. 2047;
  • N. Hannon, Polynomial Function Manipulation on the KDF9 Computer, No. 2048;
  • W.D. and M.J. Worthy, Design of a Simple Parallel Computer. An explanation of the programming and mode of operation of a computer designed for simplicity of construction and operation, No. 2183;
  • W.D. Worthy, Study of a Partially Analogue and Partially Digital System, No. 2353;
  • W.D. Worthy, Data Analysis, No. 2735;
  • W.D. Worthy, Digital Specification and Synthesis of an FM Waveform, No. 3335.

Marconi began computer manufacture in 1959 with the TAC (Transistorised Automatic Computer). Research was also undertaken into microcircuit techniques, both semiconductor integrated and thin film, and by 1962-63 manufacture had also begun in this area. The result was a machine named the MYRIAD. English Electric Leo Computers Ltd acquired the Marconi Company's commercial and scientific computer interests in 1964, and in 1967 a merger with Elliott Bros formed English Electric Computers.

The collection is open to any accredited reader.

Donated by W. Digby Worthy.

Description compiled with reference to: W.J. Baker, A History of the Marconi Company (London: Methuen, 1970) and S.H. Lavington, Early British Computers (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1980).

Oxford University, Bodleian Library, Special Collections and Western Manuscripts, holds Marconi minutes, registers, share records, seal books, historical files, drawings registers, engineers' reports, catalogues, photographs and press cuttings, 1897-1992 (ref.: GB 0161 GEC). Essex Record Office holds photographs and negatives from Marconi, 20th century (ref.: GB 0037 D/DU 2063, D/F 277 ).