Moore School of Electrical Engineering
The Moore School of Electrical Engineering was an influential institution within the University of Pennsylvania, renowned for its pioneering contributions to the field of computer science and electrical engineering. Established as a result of a generous endowment from Alfred Fitler Moore on June 4, 1923, the Moore School was initially part of Penn's School of Electrical Engineering, which was located in the Towne Building.
Historical Significance
The Moore School is perhaps best known for its role in the development of the ENIAC, the first general-purpose Turing-complete digital electronic computer. This groundbreaking project was undertaken between 1943 and 1946, and it marked a significant advancement in computing technology, laying the groundwork for modern computers. The work on the ENIAC was spearheaded by notable individuals such as John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert.
Following the ENIAC, preliminary design work on its successor, the EDVAC, took place at the Moore School. This work introduced the stored program concept, a pivotal innovation that is still fundamental to all modern computers. The logical design for EDVAC was captured in John von Neumann's influential report, "First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC," which synthesized insights from meetings he attended at the Moore School.
Notable Events and Contributions
In addition to its projects, the Moore School played host to the Moore School Lectures, a series of lectures on electronic digital computers held from July 8, 1946, to August 30, 1946. These lectures were instrumental in disseminating knowledge about electronic computing and influencing future developments in the field.
The school was also involved in work on the Differential Analyzer, an early analog computer, which further underscores its role in advancing computational technologies.
Integration into Penn Engineering
Although the Moore School no longer exists as a separate entity, having been integrated into the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, its legacy continues. The original three-story building, known on campus as the Moore School Building, stands as a testament to its historical contributions.
Key Figures
Several pivotal figures were associated with the Moore School, including John Grist Brainerd, who later became the dean of the school, and Marlyn Meltzer and Ruth Teitelbaum, who were among the first programmers of the ENIAC.