.. and the clerk (often a lady) doing sums by hand or later on an adding machine or early mechanical calculator who was called a
computer; such as the ladies at NASA:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_Figures"..NASA has installed an IBM 7090 electronic computer that threatens to replace human computers. .."
Analogously, a 'secretary' was once a piece of furniture ..
[ISTR a debate in my College JCR on a motion to install a 'contraceptive machine' in the gents' toilet. I objected, not only because the motion did not include the ladies' toilet, but also because what the proponents presumably wanted was a 'contraceptive
dispensing machine'
]
(mere guide at) Jet Age Museum, Gloucestershire Airport
http://www.jetagemuseum.org/TripAdvisor Excellence Award 2015
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction ... gland.html