Not completely on topic, but my boss wishes to build a computer using modern knowledge, but only materials, IO etc that existed as at 1st Jan 1900. The basic premise is that had a need existed, and they knew how to make one, could have it been done.

... This is to be a real computer, stored program, RAM, ALU etc. Ian has already built 2 of those by hand, one with TTL and one with 4000A CMOS, so has some idea of how to do it (personally I'd just get a micro), but he has the determination and the resources complete this. I'll keep the list posted if there is any interest.