Conversation: J.M.M. Pinkerton

Tape 6 in Christopher Evans\´s "Pioneers of Computing" series is a 1975 interview with John M. M. Pinkerton, edited excerpts of which are printed here. A focal point of the interview is Pinkerton\´s role in the design and construction of LEO I at J. Lyons & Co. in Great Britain. LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) was inspired by and based on Maurice V. Wilkes\´s pioneering EDSAC and was one of the first electronic computers designed specifically for commercial rather than scientific use. LEO heralded today\´s revolution in office work-a revolution whose ultimate impact is still in our future.