Road markings and Babbage’s Analytical Engine: what they have in common

1. Step 1. Road markings — uses — Paint. Paint.
2. Step 2. Paint — evolved into — Nail polish. Modern nail polish was modelled on the quick-drying nitrocellulose car paint of the 1920s.
3. Step 3. Nail polish — is made of — Cellulose. The film is formed by nitrocellulose: cellulose treated with nitric acid.
4. Step 4. Cellulose — is material for — Paper. Paper is cellulose fibres.
5. Step 5. Paper — is material for — Punched card. Punched cards are stiff card.
6. Step 6. Punched card — is used in — Babbage’s Analytical Engine. Operations and numbers were entered on punched cards.

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