Several early computers used mercury for memory. It was heated because it needed to be kept at a uniform and constant temp, and that was the easiest way. The Univac I also used mercury. Every few months it had to be replaced because of accumulated schmutz. The old stuff was sold and, I'm told, financed some pretty good parties...
Several early computers used mercury for memory. It was heated because it needed to be kept at a uniform and constant temp, and that was the easiest way. The Univac I also used mercury. Every few months it had to be replaced because of accumulated schmutz. The old stuff was sold and, I'm told, financed some pretty good parties...