DIGITAL COMPUTERS — McCORMICK 295 



Table 8. — Hoio a computer might divide 20,693,578 by 7,506 to obtain a quotient 

 of 3,514 and a remaitider of 1,234 



action in each case. However, it is perliaps more correct to interpret 

 the statement to mean that the limitations encountered in using com- 

 puters are more of a reflection on our ability as humans to use them 

 than on the computers themselves. 



This is particularly true in the increasing use being made of com- 

 puters as "logical" devices. While many useful human activities 

 involve the use of arithmetic, many others require the solution of 

 essentially logical problems. An executive managing a business con- 

 cern, the oflicer directing a military operation, and a chess player 

 are examples of people who must consider the often complicated situ- 

 ations in which they find themselves and "decide" on an appropriate 

 course of action. There are probably many more practical problems 

 requiring a logical solution than those calling for arithmetic opera- 

 tions. Thus the ability of computers to handle logic is particularly 

 important. This ability may be considered an outgrowth of opera- 

 tions already mentioned. The decision operation, "If the number in 

 the accumulator is zero or positive, go to the next storage location for 



