Title: The Altgeld Hall Analyzer: Exploring Its Function and History.
Abstract: In 1898, Prof. Albert A. Michelson and Samuel W. Stratton introduced a groundbreaking harmonic analyzer to the world. One of these machines still resides in Altgeld Hall. In this presentation, I will go beyond exploring the mathematics behind the machine and delve into its historical significance. While I will briefly explain how the machine works and add a few insights to what Bill Hammack (Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois) has covered in his videos, the main focus will be on the machine's history: who invented it, when it was developed, and for what purposes. By looking at its development and impact, this talk aims to give a clearer picture of the context in which this interesting piece of technology was created and used.
