A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

For some complex calculations involving ballistics and firearms mechanics, Song Hongfei needed to go to MIT to use their "differential analyzer".

MIT's "differential analyzer" is extremely large and inconvenient to use. Technically, this machine only uses a mechanical integrator—a mechanical integrator—driven by a steel shaft with variable-speed gears, cam rotation angles, and complex arrangements to solve differential equations and simulate calculation results. It does not yet belong to the true modern electronic computer.

However, this "differential analyzer" was the first practical and reliable device of its kind. It was the most powerful computer in the world before the invention of the general-purpose electronic computer and can be called the pinnacle of the analog computer era at that time.

There were only four such machines in the entire United States at the time: two at MIT, one at General Electric, and one at the University of Pennsylvania.

The inventor of this machine was Professor Vannevar Bush, the pioneer of analog computers. He was a famous and great figure in the history of science and technology, and at the time served as the Vice President and Dean of the Department of Electrical Engineering at MIT.

Song Hongfei, who came from a later generation, naturally knew that Professor Vannevar Bush was a scientific advisor to the US president during World War II and led numerous military research projects, the most famous of which was the "Manhattan Project" for developing the atomic bomb. He was the proposer and executor of the project.

Claude Shannon, the "father of information theory" who is hailed as the "founding father" by later programmers, was his student.

Later, Professor Vannevar Bush was hailed as a "pioneer of American information technology".

Although this "differential analyzer" was the pinnacle of analog computers, it was often insufficient in terms of computing speed and accuracy to meet the needs of massive calculations. It was also extremely inconvenient to use, as punched paper tape was used at the time, and compiling algorithms and data took a lot of time.

In his later life, Song Hongfei was a renowned non-command student at the G Military Academy, majoring in electronic information for both his undergraduate and doctoral degrees. Having experienced the information and network age, Song Hongfei felt as if he, accustomed to driving large-displacement 8-cylinder turbocharged cars, had returned to the era of steam-powered automobiles when facing this most primitive machine—truly feeling like he wanted to cry but had no choice but to accept it.

Song Hongfei often couldn't stand it anymore and complained about this simple, bulky, and difficult-to-use machine. He secretly thought to himself, "What a piece of trash! Even a student calculator the size of a palm in later generations could beat it!"

Song Hongfei often offered suggestions for improvement to people in the MIT lab, but the MIT researchers and operators, who were originally arrogant, dismissed them.

But they were soon surprised to find that Song Hongfei's suggestions were not only insightful and enlightening, but also targeted the root cause of their problems. The problems that had been bothering them for a long time were often solved immediately and effectively!

An expression of disbelief was evident on the faces of these MIT researchers. Little did they know that Song Hongfei in later generations would be a PhD in electronic information!

Cambridge, Massachusetts, where MIT is located, is more than 200 kilometers away from West Point. Sometimes a calculation can take several days, so Song Hongfei had to stay in Cambridge.

Computer resources were extremely scarce at the time, and anyone who wanted to use a computer had to wait in line. It also took a long time to make punched paper tape, and sometimes you could wait in line for many days and still not get a turn.

Once, Song Hongfei casually showed off his skills by cooking several Chinese dishes and bringing them to the lab for lunch to save time. Unexpectedly, this attracted a lot of people who wanted to taste his cooking. After tasting them, they all praised them highly. As they continued to eat, the researchers eventually devoured everything, leaving nothing for Song Hongfei.

From then on, the people in the MIT lab eagerly awaited Song Hongfei's arrival. They even set up a complete set of Chinese cooking utensils and seasonings in the lab building, leaving Song Hongfei both amused and exasperated. Sometimes he had to ask Zhang Yi to come and help him in order to satisfy their hungry appetites.

The MIT researchers, who were impressed by Song Hongfei's brilliant suggestions and satisfied with the "Chinese feast," secretly gave Song Hongfei special treatment, allowing him to skip the queue as long as there were no other particularly important and urgent computing tasks.

Over time, Song Hongfei became very familiar with the researchers at the MIT lab. Professor Vannevar Bush, the lab director, would often come to discuss with him how to improve the "differential analyzer," the development of computer technology, and share the Chinese dishes he cooked.

Professor Bush was amazed at how insightful every point Song Hongfei made was.

Today, Song Hongfei has already gained some fame in American academic circles. Professor Bush naturally knew that Song Hongfei from West Point had published groundbreaking research results in infantry tactics, ballistics, firearms mechanics, and thermodynamics.

But this computer has only been around for a short time, and Song Hongfei has only come to MIT to use the machines a few times. How does he know so much about computers?

Professor Bush often couldn't help but wonder if Song Hongfei had studied computers with some expert. He even thought that West Point might have created a more advanced computer, and Song Hongfei was there to gather intelligence.

But he quickly dismissed the idea, knowing full well that West Point's academic research had always been weak and that such a possibility was impossible.

Having gotten a good deal, Song Hongfei became arrogant and boasted too much, saying, "Speaking of computers, China actually already has them, and has had them for a long time!"

This statement caused quite a stir, and everyone was surprised. Some people scoffed at it, thinking it was just empty boasting.

"It existed as early as 2000 years ago!" Song Hongfei said casually. "The abacus from China more than two thousand years ago was just a computer, wasn't it?"

People couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Song Hongfei spoke eloquently, using the analogy of the abacus, pen and paper, and computer to illustrate the concept of a structure consisting of five major components: operation, control, storage, input, and output. This was a groundbreaking concept—the "Von Neumann architecture"—which laid the foundation for the basic construction principles of modern computers.

Of course, he only gave a general overview and did not elaborate further. The architecture of the five major components of a computer was a theory summarized by another great scientist, Professor John von Neumann, and he did not want to take credit for it.

The laughter that had initially been directed at everyone gradually turned serious, and they fell into deep thought: this novel idea, at first glance, seemed simple and straightforward, yet it wasn't without merit. Upon closer reflection, however, it was astonishing how he had seemingly uttered a profound truth!

Professor Vannevar Bush was deeply shaken. He keenly realized that this was an unprecedented and crucial idea. Although it was only a general idea, it had an excellent prospect of being explored in depth and developed into a theory, or even forming a "unified" system of computers.

Professor Bush was overjoyed and gave Song Hongfei a hug that almost suffocated him. The great scientist was as excited as a child who had received a beloved new toy.

Professor Bush said excitedly, "Song, I really don't know how to thank you. Your words are as concise as first principles, like a lighthouse in the fog, pointing out several questions that I have been pondering for a long time!"

When Song Hongfei suggested that the input of typewriters could be referenced to design a "keyboard" that allows direct input of letters, numbers, and various symbols on a computer, and that punched paper tapes of the input characters could be automatically generated for storage.

Professor Bush stood there dumbfounded, utterly shocked. He was completely convinced: This idea was truly ingenious!

(Note: Historically, computer keyboards did not evolve from English typewriter keyboards until the 50s, after the invention of electronic computers.)

Professor Vannevar Bush immediately expressed his hope to Song Hongfei that he would come to MIT to pursue graduate studies and work with him to research and improve computers.

Song Hongfei was overjoyed. Professor Vannevar Bush, a legendary figure at the world-renowned MIT, had extended an offer to him! To study here was a dream come true for so many!

The issue of further education had not only been on his mind for a long time, but had also been carefully considered in the plans of the Song family.

The Song family is now a prestigious clan, boasting numerous elites in business and politics, and possessing abundant wealth and power. However, none of them have joined the military. They lack nothing but military force, and in the turbulent and volatile Republic of China, the importance of military power is self-evident. The Song family elders had long considered this, dedicating themselves to cultivating and supporting Song Hongfei, aiming to establish him in the military.

Song Hongfei, the eldest son of the Song family, was well aware of this.

Song Hongfei, somewhat hesitantly, told Professor Bush his thoughts: "Professor, I long to pursue further studies. But... well, I have to consider other aspects first, for many reasons..."

Song Hongfei pondered. Of course, he couldn't refuse the olive branch that someone had extended to him, but he hadn't yet figured out how to say it.

Professor Bush asked eagerly, "You are a military academy cadet. Is it a military regulation that you must serve in the military after graduation?"

Professor Bush was clearly aware of West Point's regulations, which required each graduate to serve for five years before being allowed to pursue further studies.

“No, Professor. I am not affiliated with the U.S. military, nor does the Republic of China government have such a regulation,” Song Hongfei replied.

Professor Vannevar Bush seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

Song Hongfei carefully considered his words before saying, "I come from China. As you know, my motherland is suffering from the oppression and aggression of foreign powers. The country sent us students to study military affairs, hoping that we could strengthen the army and serve the country. Naturally, I cannot let the country down."

Song Hongfei continued, "China's science and technology are still quite backward. Even if I study the most cutting-edge technologies, it will be useless to China for a long time, and it won't be of any help to China. But my study of military affairs, and the military technology research I'm currently conducting, is exactly what my motherland urgently needs..."

Professor Vannevar Bush listened attentively. He understood Song Hongfei's situation and thoughts, and he also realized that this was indeed a real problem that had to be considered.

Professor Bush deeply admired Song Hongfei's patriotic spirit and felt immense regret. He was also secretly anxious and repeatedly urged Song Hongfei to reconsider.

Unexpectedly, the next afternoon, Professor Bush arrived excitedly and said to Song Hongfei with great enthusiasm, "Hongfei, after discussion, several professors in the college, haha, those guys have already read your thesis! They all think your thesis is of extremely high quality and can be used directly as a master's thesis. You can continue your research while coming here to see me, and the school has agreed! What do you think?"

It turns out that Professor Bush had convened several MIT professors overnight to discuss countermeasures and proposed a solution to MIT. This demonstrates the great computer pioneer's love and appreciation for talent, and how eager he was to recruit talent.

Song Hongfei was overjoyed and made his decision without hesitation.