Station HYPO

In 1324, in the reign of Edward II, pictured, writs of de scrutiniofaciendo (on making an examination) were sent to the southern counties of England to remind harbormasters that they were to examine all suspect correspondence and forward it to the king. The officials were told that previous such writs had not been enforced, thus allowing letters prejudicial to the crown to get into the kingdom.

“Like loyalty, you can’t buy it.  Like honesty, you can’t be born with it.  Like common sense you can’t inherit it.  Like true friendship, you can’t see it.  Like heaven, you can’t rent it.  you can’t touch or smell it, but because you have been a Shipmate through the years, you know what it is.”

Kamiseya, Japan – Station Newspaper, February 27, 1959

The National Cash Register (NCR) Company, based in Dayton, Ohio, is often remembered as the pioneer in developing the modern cash register and revolutionizing retail technology. However, its legacy extends far beyond business machines. During World War II, NCR played a vital role in the Allied cryptographic effort, contributing to the breaking of both the German Enigma and the Japanese JN-25 codes, crucial in securing Allied victories. Its involvement in these operations, especially the development of the Bombe machine and the Additive Recovery Machine Model CXDG-CNN-10 ADW (known as “The Fruit Machine”), remains an often-overlooked chapter in both NCR’s and cryptographic history.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association.

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