There is great temptation, on both technological and economic grounds, to go rushing in and move a lot more safety-critical system features into software systems.
This is NOT the first time in history that we have been tempted by technology in this way.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - Santayana (1863-1952)
A brief history of steam engines
Heron of Alexandria, in 60AD experimented with steam power.
16th and 17th century “exploded” with interest in steam power.
Thomas Savery (1650-1715) produced the first workable steam engine.
