Pascal Costanza traces the historical evolution of programming advice, starting from Oliver Selfridge's 1958 concept of "demons" to its implementation in various Lisp systems like PILOT, Flavors, and LOOPS. This lineage eventually led to the development of the Common Lisp Object System (CLOS) and influenced modern paradigms such as Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) and Context-oriented Programming.
- The concept originated with Oliver Selfridge's "demons" which recognize patterns in events.
- Howard Cannon's Flavors introduced methods based on macros, acting as a precursor to around methods.
- CommonLoops was an essential component alongside Flavors that helped form the basis of CLOS.
- Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) evolved from metaobject protocols by moving toward pointcuts and compile-time approaches.
- The concept originated with Oliver Selfridge's "demons" which recognize patterns in events.
- Howard Cannon's Flavors introduced methods based on macros, acting as a precursor to around methods.
- CommonLoops was an essential component alongside Flavors that helped form the basis of CLOS.
- Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) evolved from metaobject protocols by moving toward pointcuts and compile-time approaches.
This project is an attempt to recreate MACLISP in 1980.
It is based on a small C Lisp interpreter and aims to provide a
MACLISP-like experience.
Installation
Compile and install using:
sudo make install
This will create an executable named lisp in /usr/local/bin. Usage
Start the interpreter by running:
maclisp
Exit the interpreter by typing:
(quit)
Notes
This is not a full MACLISP implementation, but a simplified
version that captures the feel of the original.
Dynamic scoping is used.
Core functions like QUOTE, ATOM, EQ, CONS, CAR, CDR, and COND are
implemented.
It is based on a small C Lisp interpreter and aims to provide a
MACLISP-like experience.
Installation
Compile and install using:
sudo make install
This will create an executable named lisp in /usr/local/bin. Usage
Start the interpreter by running:
maclisp
Exit the interpreter by typing:
(quit)
Notes
This is not a full MACLISP implementation, but a simplified
version that captures the feel of the original.
Dynamic scoping is used.
Core functions like QUOTE, ATOM, EQ, CONS, CAR, CDR, and COND are
implemented.
This report details the progress of the Medley Interlisp Project in 2025, including work on the core system, community outreach, and future plans for preserving and reviving the historical Interlisp environment.
This GitHub repository contains a re-implementation of the IPL-V programming language and the Logic Theorist (LT) program. It includes the original code transcribed into a TSV format and converted to Lisp, along with documentation and debugging tools.
https://gordonbell.azurewebsites.net/Computer_Structures__Readings_and_Examples/contents.html
Proc. WJCC, pp. 119-128, 1958.
Chapter 30
A command structure for complex information processing1
J. C. Shaw / A. Newell / H. A. Simon / T. O. Ellis
The general-purpose digital computer, by virtue of its large capacity and general-purpose nature, has opened the possibility of research into the nature of complex mechanisms per se. The challenge is obvious: humans carry out information processing of a complexity that is truly baffling. Given the urge to understand either how humans do it, or alternatively, what kinds of mechanisms might accomplish the same tasks, the computer is turned to as a basic research tool. The varieties of complex information processing will be understood when they can be synthesized: when mechanisms can be created that perform the same processes.
Proc. WJCC, pp. 119-128, 1958.
Chapter 30
A command structure for complex information processing1
J. C. Shaw / A. Newell / H. A. Simon / T. O. Ellis
The general-purpose digital computer, by virtue of its large capacity and general-purpose nature, has opened the possibility of research into the nature of complex mechanisms per se. The challenge is obvious: humans carry out information processing of a complexity that is truly baffling. Given the urge to understand either how humans do it, or alternatively, what kinds of mechanisms might accomplish the same tasks, the computer is turned to as a basic research tool. The varieties of complex information processing will be understood when they can be synthesized: when mechanisms can be created that perform the same processes.
Researchers discovered long-lost computer code and used it to resurrect the early chatbot ELIZA from MIT. Named after Eliza Doolittle from 'Pygmalion,' ELIZA was developed in the 1960s by MIT professor Joseph Weizenbaum. It was designed to emulate a psychotherapist in conversation and used a unique programming language called MAD-SLIP. Rediscovered in 2021, the original code was brought back to life after 60 years, demonstrating the chatbot's functionality and highlighting the historical significance of early artificial intelligence.
"This Memorandum sets out the complete rules for coding in Information Processing Language-V (IPL-V), and documents extensions incorporated since publication of the Information Processing Language-V Manual. A summary of extensions and the minor modifications to the language is contained in the final section ($25.0). IPL-V processors are available for the IBM 650, 704, 709, 7090, 7094, Philco 2000, Bendix G-20, CDC 1604, UNIVAC 1105, and the AN/FSQ-32. A system for the Burroughs 220 is under development. Machine system write-ups are available for the various machines on which IPL-V is being used. These write-ups contain differences in the language peculiar to each machine, and must be consulted before using IPL-V. An index, a list of the basic IPL-V processes, and a full-scale copy of the coding sheet, suitable for photo- reproduction, appear at the end of the Memorandum."
Abstract:
This paper is an informal introduction to Information Processing Language V (IPL-V), a symbol and list-struc- ture manipulating language presently implemented on the IBM 650, 704 and 709. It contains a discussion of the problem context in which a series of Information Proc- essing Languages has developed and of the basic concepts incorporated in IPL-V. A complete description of the language can be found in the IPL-V Programmer's Manual
This paper is an informal introduction to Information Processing Language V (IPL-V), a symbol and list-struc- ture manipulating language presently implemented on the IBM 650, 704 and 709. It contains a discussion of the problem context in which a series of Information Proc- essing Languages has developed and of the basic concepts incorporated in IPL-V. A complete description of the language can be found in the IPL-V Programmer's Manual
