Michelson's Harmonic Analyzer
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Albert Michelson's Harmonic Analyzer is a mechanical calculator that can perform Fourier analysis of sample functions. With only gears and other mechanisms, this mechanical computer is capable of producing a function given its Fourier coefficients (synthesis) and inversely computing the coefficients of a given function (analysis).
The device was designed in 1897 by the physicist Albert Michelson, and several models were manufactured and sold by William Gaertner & Co. One of the original machines was kept in the University of Illinois. In 2014, this machine was restored by Bill Hammack [1], renowning the artifact in some media.
Main page of the project: [2]. Videos on Youtube: [3] [4] [5] [6] (extras:[7] [8] [9]). Book: [10].
