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The Story of Data: A Journey Before the Age of Information Technology

Updated: Oct 20



I enjoy delving into the origins of things to understand the present and gain a sense of the future; I find the history of data particularly fascinating. I often get lost in historical documentaries, contemplating what-if scenarios, like how the world might be different if we had not lost the Library of Alexandria. That extensive knowledge repository held the potential to shape civilizations in incredible ways. As the adage goes - "There is nothing new under the sun." or "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." These two idioms have catalyzed my insatiable need to glean historical context on today's issues. This fascination with the past drives me to explore how data was managed before the Information Age, well before computers and algorithms entered the scene.


My love for libraries and historical artifacts runs deep within me. I can still vividly recall the moment when I first entered the Library of Congress and was utterly mesmerized by what I saw. The immense amount of human knowledge stored there was truly remarkable. It made me realize how essential data and records have been for civilizations to preserve their histories over time. The library's vast collection often sparks my curiosity about the forgotten knowledge it may hold. This sense of wonder is reminiscent of the awe I felt at the Tutankhamun exhibit in Miami, where I gaze upon artifacts from an ancient world. Relics were characterized by intricate design and craftsmanship, each carrying visual tales that have endured for millennia. It felt like the ancient past was reaching out to connect with my present.


The Roots of Data Culture


Imagine a world where every transaction, tax record, or religious text was painstakingly etched into clay tablets. This was the reality for the ancient Sumerians, who developed one of the earliest known writing systems, cuneiform, around 3000 BCE. These clay tablets, though primitive in form, were the backbone of an organized society. Similarly, the Egyptians used hieroglyphs on papyrus and stone to document everything from agricultural records to the reigns of their pharaohs. It's truly awe-inspiring to think how these early record-keeping methods, with their sheer scale and dedication, laid the foundation for the data culture we live in today.


The rigor and dedication of ancient scholars to preserving knowledge across generations are genuinely remarkable. As I consider what we've gained—and lost—over the centuries, I'm reminded of the incredible collection of Bibles in Washington's Bible Museum. The Bible has given us so much wisdom and historical context. I was captivated by the ancient Torah scrolls. Copied over millennia with such precision that scholars estimate a 99% accuracy rate between copies. This devotion to preserving knowledge across generations echoes the human instinct to retain and pass down information. Human beings have been doing this since the beginning of written history.


Early Data Science


Even without modern technology, ancient civilizations were already using data to explore complex ideas in mathematics and astronomy. An early form of data science can be appreciated when the Babylonians meticulously recorded celestial body movements to predict eclipses and planetary shifts. These observations weren't just for intellectual curiosity but necessary for agricultural planning and religious ceremonies. Ancient Greek mathematicians like Pythagoras and Euclid built on this legacy, using geometric data to explore the natural world.


I was reminded of the card catalog system at my college library, where I would search for hours through index cards. I would push myself to find that one nugget of information that would unlock new knowledge for my research. In those days, the pursuit of information required patience and persistence—much like the ancient astronomers who spent lifetimes studying the stars without the aid of modern technology.


The Power of Preservation


During the Middle Ages, monasteries became centers of knowledge. Monks painstakingly copied manuscripts by hand, creating codices that recorded everything from theological discussions to agricultural methods. These codices were the medieval equivalent of our modern databases, filled with crucial information for running an estate, a church, or a kingdom.


When I visited the Bible museum, I couldn't help but think about these monks as I marveled at old Bibles and other religious manuscripts. It struck me how similar their efforts were to those of today's archivists and data stewards, whose job is to ensure that vital information is preserved for future generations. The same impulse motivated the monks of old—the longing to pass down knowledge accurately and reliably.


Democratizing Data: Data for the Masses

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized how data was shared and stored. Suddenly, information wasn't just for the privileged few. Books, maps, ledgers, and documents could be mass-produced, allowing for a wider distribution of knowledge. The printing press fundamentally changed how we think about data—not as something to be hoarded but as something to be shared and utilized by all. It was the first technology that democratized data. This shift in data management empowered individuals and communities, marking a significant step in the evolution of data culture.


Along came the Industrial Revolution, a time of massive change, where data became essential to managing the complexities of large-scale enterprises. Factories, railroads, and businesses required ledgers and records to track production, labor, and finances, marking a significant shift in data management. This period marked a significant step in the evolution of data culture, and understanding its impact is crucial to appreciating the modern data landscape.


Early Mechanical Computers: The Bridge to the Digital Age

tabulate polynomial functions
Abacus

Before digital computers, mechanical devices like the abacus and Charles Babbage's Difference Engine existed. The abacus, designed in the 1820s, was intended to tabulate polynomial functions, while Babbage's engine was designed to automate complex calculations. Though rudimentary by today's standards, these early inventions were crucial in the journey toward modern data processing. The evolution from these mechanical devices to digital computers represents a significant leap in the evolution of data culture, underscoring the profound impact of technological advancements on data management.


When I think about those punch cards my father showed me, I realize how they bridge manual and digital data management. Punch cards represented an early attempt at organizing data in a way that machines could read and process—a far cry from today's sophisticated systems but an essential step in the evolution of data culture.


A Continuous Evolution of Data Culture


Reflecting on these early record-keeping and data-management methods, I'm struck by how similar the challenges were then and now. Whether monks copy manuscripts, librarians catalog books, or workers manage inventory with punch cards, the fundamental goal remains to store, organize, and make sense of information.


Much like I've marveled at the Torah scroll's incredible accuracy across generations, I'm continually fascinated by how civilizations have worked rigorously to preserve their knowledge. We may live in the Information Age, but the desire to understand our world through data has existed for millennia. By understanding the past, we can better appreciate the present and look forward to a future where data continues to shape our world.


Explore more data culture insights at the Data Culture Hive Mind!


JM Abrams

Chief Data Culturist

LF01


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