Essentials of Computer Organization and Architecture, 5th Edition

CHAPTER3

Boolean Algebra and Digital Logic

“I’ve always loved that word, Boolean.”

—Claude Shannon

3.1   INTRODUCTION

George Boole lived in England during the first half of the nineteenth century. The firstborn son of a cobbler, Boole taught himself Greek, Latin, French, German, and the language of mathematics. Just before he turned 16, Boole accepted a position teaching at a small Methodist school, providing his family with much-needed income. At the age of 19, Boole returned home to Lincoln, England, and founded his own boarding school to better provide support for his family. He operated this school for 15 years, until he became professor of mathematics at Queen’s College in Cork, Ireland. His social status as the son of a tradesman ...