The Life and Work of Konrad Zuse
 by Horst Zuse

Schaperstraße 21
10719 Berlin, Germany
Phone + Fax: +49-30-881-59-88
E-mail:
The development of the computer is a fascinating story. Many brilliant scientists contributed to the development of the modern computer, including my father, Konrad Zuse (Fig.1).

My first recollection of my father's computers is from 1949, when he took a photograph of me looking at the memory unit of a Z4 computer in Hopferau (Allgäu, Bavaria) (Fig.2). Following this I observed the development of his machines, I listened to the discussions of my father and visitors, and I used relays and stepwise relays in order to program and control my Märklin model railway.

I was very curious and had the opportunity to visit several times the company of my father (Zuse KG). There was an order to the head of the stock of the Zuse KG by my father. He said "My son Horst can get everything that is not needed for the development and production of the computers."

Konrad Zuse working on a Z1 computer
Fig.1. Konrad Zuse working
on a Z1 Computer.

Horst Zuse looking at the memory of a Z4 computer
Fig.2. Horst Zuse looking
at a Z4's memory (1949).

 Today, I am working as a scientist in the area of computer science. I am, among others, interested in the history of computing. After the death of my father I read almost everything about the history of computing very carefully. Especially, I looked at my father's papers from 1936 to 1949.

The development of computers is a fascinating story and I am very happy to have been an eyewitness of this development from 1949 in Germany.

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