Vol. 38, No. l-Winter, 1978 119

ANNOTATED REVIEW OF RECENT RESEARCH

Abelson, Philip H., ed. An Electronic Revolution. Science, 195:1085-1240, Mar. 18, 1977. (entire issue)

This special issue devoted entirely to the klectronics revolution opened with the editor’s stating:

Although destined to be of enormous importance, the electronics revolution has proceeded with comparatively little notice. In recent years, public attention has been more closely focused on such matters as population, energy, food and nutrition, and materials. Correspondingly, Science has devoted considerable space to these topics in special issues and compendia. It has become clear to us that electonics merit comparable treatment. Individual applications, taken separately, may not be of crucial importance, but the summation is. Beyond that, an extrapolation of current trends points to an even greater impact.

Dental public health practitioners are as much affected by developments in electronics as are any other group in society; perhaps more than many since dental public health practice is conducted through organizational and information systems. An understanding of what is happening can make the difference between missing or capitalizing upon opportunities as they emerge and decay.’At a time when even hobby literature such as model railroading can devote 15 pages to computer applications and when components can be purchased and assembled in anyone’s home, it is imperative that the profession, at a minimum, understand electronics material such as presented in this issue of Science or Scientific Ameri- can for September, 1977.

Electronics has come to mean all electrical devices for communication, and information processing and control. It includes the introduction of the telephone 100 years ago; radio, 50 years ago; television, 25 years ago; and handheld calcula- tors, five years ago. All have had a high impact but comparatively little notice for their social influence. The special issue was entitled “An Electronic Revolution” because of the view that the changes in the quality and character of human life are and will be as pervasive and far-reaching as occurred with the industrial revolution of over a century ago. This revolution differs from the industrial revolution in that it is not based on high energy consumption and enormous amounts of materials. Indeed, advances in the industrial revolution have often been no more than increased use of energy and material, whereas advances in electronics serve to conserve both. As the industrial revolution fades, electronics will become increasingly important in reshaping society. The advances in electronics are cited as one of the greatest intellectual achievements of mankind. Electronics are often more nimble than the brain, extend human capability, and free the mind for more intuitive judgment.

Articles were divided into five topical areas entitled: “Introduction to the Continuing Revolution,” “The Pervasiveness of Electronics,” “Policy Problems,” “Computers and People,” and “Research Frontiers.” The first four articles provide an overview of the past, present, and future of electronics with a theme on the tempo, magnitude, and driving forces of the revolution. Noted were recent developments in speed, magnitude, and cost benefits not only in computers but in such noncomputer aspects as magnetic, optical, and accoustical devices. Major fields of human endeavor are drastically affected by electronics, such as medicine,

120 Journal of Public Health Dentistry

education, national defense, research, production, economics, transportation, and communication. Society is increasingly information-based. Information greatly enhances individual capabilities and opportunities but is not depleted by use.

The article entitled, “Large Scale Integration” by R. N. Noyce, generally seems too technical and process-oriented for dental public health workers. The history and progress of semiconductor development b y Linvill and Hogan was also quite technical, but does provide an insight into the interrelation of research funding, politics, and competitive necessity in the electronics industry. The article entitled “Computers in Banking and Marketing” by F. E. Balderston et al. provides ideas appropriate to dental public health. It addresses the behavior of people and populations and provides examples of uses and cautions in uses that are similar to conditions confronting the profession. “Electronic Mail” by R. J . Potter is useful to people who manage programs in multiple facilities. Articles on research and education provide examples of application to persons working in those areas. However, the articles about industry, defense, satellite communication, and automotive electronics may not be useful to persons engaged in dental public health practice.

The topical area entitled “Policy Problems” considered issues of competition and monopoly, international trade, and employment opportunity shifts. Micro- electronics are merging informaton processing and transmission to the extent that previously discreet businesses, such as IBM and AT&T, are overlapping and distinctions are becoming irrelevant. Legal and regulatory structures tend to retard development and application and are increasingly arbitrary.

The topic area entitled “Computers and People” addresses how people may cope with computers. The first article refutes criticisms that computers dehumanize, regulate, displace people from work, or reduce privacy more than before. Instead they give man a tool to learn more about the world and himself. They increase choices which may or may not be “good” in current value systems. The second article explains trends in how data are managed as well as in many common data uses. The third article, “Software Engineering” describes computer program development and program simplification. The fourth article describes how people interact with terminals and what may be done to reduce human error.

The last section entitled “Research Frontiers” contained five highly technical, theoretical, mathematically oriented articles that are directed primarily to persons w7ho may be actively engaged in advancing the science and art of information processing. None of these articles has obvious utility for the general dental public health reader. However, it is comforting to know that there are people who can effectively manage these fields of endeavor and have the will to do so.

In summary, the special issue of Science devoted to the “Electronic Revolu- tion” was comprehensive and timely. It had something for every type of reader. Perhaps a third of the articles are directly germane to the dental public health professional. These articles provide a background that is essential to practice in the future. An astute reader may find an idea or two which can be immediately applied within one’s own working environment. Therefore, the issue is highly recom- mended.

--Robert Mecklenburg 0