Former Professor Howard Aiken Dies; Invented Large-Scale Digital Computer

Howard Hathaway Aiken, professor of Applied Mathematics Emeritus and a pioneer in computer research, died in his sleep early Wednesday morning in St. Louis, Mo. He was 73.

Professor Aiken was a member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences from 1939 to 1961 when he left to become Distinguished Professor of Information Technology at the University of Miami in Florida. He was also director of Harvard's Computation Laboratory from 1946 to 1961.

Professor Aiken designed the world's first large-scale digital computer, the Mark I, for the International Business Machine Corporation in the late 1930's.

Founder of Howard Aiken Industries, Inc., a New York consulting firm, Professor Aiken was recognized as a top consultant and authority on computers and other related fields.

Impressed by the subsequent development of his computer, Professor Aiken said at a testimonial dinner given for him at Harvard in 1961, "I hope to God this will be used for the benefit of mankind and not for its detriment."

Anthony G. Oettinger '51, professor of Applied Mathematics and a former student of Aiken's, yesterday described him as a "great teacher and a hard driver." Oettinger said, "he brought more out people than they ever knew they had in them."

Professor Aiken received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin and his masters and doctorate in physics from Harvard University.

He was awarded the Ralph E. Hackett Award for Science in 1954, the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award in 1955, the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service from the Air Force in 1957, a Testimonial of Eminent Professional Service from the University of Wisconsin in 1958.