A woven Book of Hours : early computer science applied to weaving in silk

The Eiffel Tower is the  most famous  structure created for the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle world fair. But closer to home, in the Barr Smith Library, we have a rare copy of another award winning  innovation from the Exposition.

A. Roux, a bookseller and publisher of Lyon, the textile capital of France, entered in the Exposition his Livre de Prières tissé d'après les enluminures des manuscrits du XIVe au XVI siecle. No ordinary book - it was fabricated from silk threads woven on a Jacquard Loom : a device patented by Joseph Marie Jacquard  in 1804 which used the concept of punched cards to control the weaving operation. This use of  punched cards  is considered an important step in the history of computing.  It is known to have inspired Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine on which, it is now well known, he shared intellectual input with Ada Lovelace. 

It is estimated that between 106,000 and 500,000 cards were programmed to weave 400 woof silk threads per 2.5 cm. (approximately one square inch), demanding machine movements of not more than a tenth of a millimeter. Fine quality grey and black silk threads were used. It took two years and close to fifty trials before the first copy of the prayer book was successfully completed   The pages  include elaborate borders, decorative initials, and facsimiles of manuscript illuminations of the Virgin and Child, Crucifixion and Nativity.

Don't miss this Discovery event with University of Adelaide presenters and display of this amazing artefact.

Professor Derek Abbott, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology.                                  

Lee Hayes,  Assistant Librarian, Rare Books & Manuscripts, University Library.

Tea and coffee from 11.45

Proceeds support the Library