The document discusses the history of early calculating devices and computers. It mentions that abacuses were some of the earliest counting devices, dating back to ancient Babylonia. The abacus then evolved over centuries, with versions used in countries like China, Korea, Japan and Europe. Other early mechanical calculating devices mentioned include the Napier's bones, the slide rule invented by William Oughtred, and Pascal's calculator. Important figures in early computer development discussed include Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace, Herman Hollerith, and Thomas Edison whose work on vacuum tubes contributed to computers. [END SUMMARY]