Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 87: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BRASS TACKS Given a data-set, and given a fractional-redundance computer. The computer could derive new facts from the given data-set. A low-redundance computer could derive more facts than a high-redundance one. As the redundance approaches zero, the number of derivable facts increases without limit. A zero-redundance computer would then be pure cause. Assume a data-set such that, if it were given to a zero-redundance computer, the computer could derive all facts, past and future. Then that data-set would contain ultimate cause. Ultimate cause might be defined verbally as the smallest data-set which would allow a zero-redundance computer to derive from it all facts. Some information is lost in defining and manipulating a pure concept in 85 terms of any finite symbology such as words. The data handling system of a zero-redundance computer would not be physical, since it would have to manipulate pure concepts. Conversely, a system which manipulates pure concepts would be, at least in part, non-physical. Which raises a question. Can a computer decrease its own redun- dance? If so, how? What is the lower limit? If this lower limit is zero, a computer might lead itself to ultimate cause. Needed: a definition of “pure concept.”’—Phil Binstock, 1650 Upton Avenue North, Minneapolis 11, Minnesota. In other words, a fractional-redundance computer would give out more than was put in it; it would, like a human mind, be capable of creative thinking. 1 RN EE FOOD FOR THOUGHT? Communist philosophy: ‘‘A man has a right to what he produces.” Basic law of biology: ““No organism can live in a medium of its own products.” Conclusion: Communism may be a good idea, but it won’t work. \ American Magazines Annual Rate FLYING MODELS 12/6 SCIENCE DIGEST 25/- MECHANICS ILLUSTRATED - 25/- MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS- - 28/- POPULAR SCIENCE - - - - 30/6 U.S. CAMERA - - - - = = = 31/3 American publications, if they are of a technical or educational nature, may still be obtained over here by means of an annual subscription. are representative of the many fine magazines available : All prices include postage. Kindly send remittance with order. ATLAS PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTING CO. LTD. 18 Bride Lane, London, E.C.4 The following Annual Rate RADIO-ELECTRONICS - - = 32/6 POPULAR MECHANICS - = - 32/6 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN - = = 37/6 METRONOME- - - = - = = 37/6 PHOTOGRAPHY - - = = = = 37/6 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC = = 60/- Connicloooks Gom),