inimkompuutri

Inimkompuutri, meaning "human computer" in Estonian, refers to individuals who performed complex mathematical calculations before the advent of electronic computers. These individuals, often women, were employed by institutions like observatories, government agencies, and research laboratories to perform tasks such as calculating astronomical tables, trajectory paths, and statistical data. Their work was meticulous and time-consuming, relying on their mental arithmetic skills, paper, and pencils, and sometimes mechanical aids.

The term gained prominence in the mid-20th century, particularly during World War II, when the demand for rapid and accurate calculations surged for military purposes. These human computers played a vital role in projects like the Manhattan Project, where their contributions were essential for developing atomic weapons. Despite their crucial role, their work was often repetitive and undervalued, and they were largely invisible to the public.

As electronic computers became more powerful and accessible, the role of the human computer gradually diminished. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, most of these positions were phased out. However, the legacy of human computers remains significant, highlighting the early stages of computational work and the intellectual capabilities of individuals before the digital age. Their contributions laid the groundwork for the computational advancements we rely on today.