Despite the ubiquity of
computer technology, most people are unaware that Line computers exist
in two mutually exclusive, distinct categories: analog and digital.
We are most familiar with digital computers, such as laptops. On
the one hand, digital computers process information
using a binary number system that allows (5) them to calculate numbers
in an accurate and exact manner. Analog computers, on
the other hand, do not calculate per se; they measure and respond to a
continuously changing input.
Simple analog computers, called astrolabes, were first developed by
the Greeks to solve problems in astronomy. The devices
proved very popular and (10) soon spread throughout the Roman world. By
the 10th century, Muslim scholars had developed the
astrolabe into a sophisticated mechanical device capable of
calculating solutions to problems not only in astronomy, but also in
astrology, navigation, surveying, and
timekeeping. Modern scientific
opinion was that the ancient Greeks had been (15) technologically
unable to produce a similarly sophisticated computer, until a
discovery was made just over a century ago. In 1900, divers discovered
the wreck of a merchant ship, possibly dating back to
150 BCE, off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera.
In the wreckage, they found the remains of a complex device
apparently a thousand years ahead of its time. (20)
Made of metal, this device, known as the Antikythera mechanism,
is approximately the size of a shoebox. At the time of
its discovery, it was in terrible shape, having been
underwater for so long. Its pieces had merged into a broken
mass and experts could discern only that it had something to do with
astronomy. Thanks to a combination of advanced imaging
methods and X-ray computer (25) tomography, however, scientists have
since discovered much more.
Originally, the mechanism had at least 30 bronze gears with as many as
225 hand-cut triangular teeth. It had three main dials,
one on the front and two on the back, respectively
marking the astronomical divisions of the Egyptian calendar,
the Metonic cycle, and the Saros cycle. Each dial had subdials for
greater (30) specificity. For example, the front dial contained a
smaller dial that could be adjusted to account for leap
years. There were also hands and gearing to account for
the movements of the planets. While
the workings of the device are now fairly well understood, researchers
are still puzzled by the reason it was made. Some postulate that
it, like later (35) astrolabes, was used to create astrological charts,
or to set feast days, or even to adjust the lunar and
solar calendars. Others have thought it was a curiosity made
solely for display. The device’s relatively small size and the inclusion
of a 3,000 character "user’s manual" suggest that the
mechanism was created to be portable and functional, but
scientists are no closer to knowing for sure and can only (40) wonder
at the purpose of its superb design. The passage’s statement that, by the 10th century, Muslim scholars had developed the astrolabe into a sophisticated mechanical device would justify which of the following conclusions
A． Muslim scholars were unaware of other scientific measuring devices. B． Muslim scholars developed a kind of technology that had never been known before. C． There was no need for sophisticated mechanical devices such as the astrolabe before the 10th century. D． The astrolabe’s sophistication allowed for more exploration of the physical world. E． Muslim scholars had a need to solve complex problems in astronomy, navigation, surveying, and timekeeping.