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Two articles by Shannon, in: "The Bell System Technical Journal", July 1948; October, 1948; and October 1949. 3 volumes. (8vo) 9x6, original blue wrappers. First Appearances in Print.

First appearance of Shannon’s extremely influential theory of communication where he coined the word "bits" for "binary digits" on p.380 of July 1948 issue. "American mathematician Claude Shannon developed information theory by 1948. He reduced the notion of information to a series of yes/no choices, which could be presented by a binary code. Each choice, or piece of information, he called a 'bit.' In this way, complex information could be organized according to strict mathematical principles. His methods, although devised in the context of engineering and technology, were soon seen to have applications not only to computer design but to virtually every subject in which language was important, such as linguistics, psychology, cryptography, and phonetics; further applications were possible in any area where the transmission of information in any form was important" (Mount and List, Milestones, 65; Dictionary of Scientists, 436). This lot also includes the first appearance of Shannon's early analysis of cryptography.