Levi's Lisp Log

Goedel's Famous Proof

Kurt Goedel shattered the hopes of mathematicians who aimed to create a comprehensive formal theory under which all true statements of mathematics could be proved by proving that such a system could not exist. This incompleteness theorem has repercussions for computer science, since a limitation on formal systems is also a limitation on computer programs.

Martin Herzel has provided a translation of Goedel's famous proof from German to English and from Goedel's notation to more familiar contemporary notation. After reading about this proof from numerous other sources, it's great to be able to read it (almost) directly myself.

A CS Reading List

I just came across a list of classic texts in Computer Science that seems to run the gamut of CS topics. They're mostly rather old, but still very relevant. I've already read a few of them, and those ones are indeed classic, so I'm excited to read the rest when I get a chance.

On the same site, there is also a list of the site author's favorite books, of which I own and have at least skimmed through most. I agree that they are great books.

Elsewhere, there are some lecture notes by Daniel Friedman describing applications of continuations that look to be an interesting read.

Analytical Engine Emulator

In 1837, Charles Babbage wrote a memoir entitled On the Mathematical Powers of the Calculating Engine. In this paper, he described a machine, steam powered and made of brass, that would be able to store and run general-purpose programs. While it was never fully constructed, Babbage's Analytical Engine was the first computer to ever be designed.

Usually computer emulators are designed to mimic computers that actually existed, but fortunately for the curious, someone has put together a Java-based Analytical Engine Emulator for the really-retro computing enthusiasts to play with. I haven't got the time nor inclination to write programs for it myself, but I think Babbage would appreciate his idea being brought to virtual fruition.

Speaking of programming the thing—although it was never built, it did have programs written for it. In fact, the very first was written by Ada Lovelace, who thus has the distinction of being the first computer programmer. It is sadly ironic that a field pioneered by women such as Ada and Grace Hopper, inventor of the first compiler, now finds itself with very few women practicing its arts.