I read the
very original post, about whether or not it would be possible
 to make a digital computer with the technology of the early 1900s as
 "Send a list member from 2008 back to 1900 and see if they can make a
 computer" - perhaps I misunderstood the question. 
 Do we have any list members who work in IC fabrication :-) 
 
Not currently, but I have in the past.
Peace...  Sridhar