Electrical engineering in the postwar world: XI — Electronics — An industry gomes of age

TO PREDICT the future of a new science is much like predicting the future of a new-born child. The conception date is usually a matter of record and the appearance of the “first working model” is an events From then on, to carry the analogy farther, the thing develops and the parents or the inventer continually wonder what it will be when it grows up. During the first few years it is the most marvelous thing in the world — later, when it reaches the adolescent period, there sometimes are doubts. Usually in the end, if it has been handled properly, it reaches maturity, finds its rightful place in the world, and becomes a useful member of society. Its rate of development and the soundness of its growth depend on many things. A too rapid growth may produce “soft wood” that will not weather the storm. By expecting too much of it, or glamorizing it, one may spoil the whole thing.