In the Beginning was Information

– Punched cards, mark sensing– Universal product code, postal bar codes– hand movements, as used by deaf-mute persons for example– body language (e. g. mating dances and aggressive stances ofanimals)– facial expressions and body movements (e. g. mime, gesticulation,and deaf-mute signs)– dancing motions (bee gyrations) Tactile transmission (Latin tactilis = sense of touch) (Signals:physical contact):– Braille writing– Musical rolls, barrel of barrel-organ Magnetic transmission (carrier: magnetic field)– magnetic tape– magnetic disk– magnetic card Electrical transmission (carrier: electrical current or electromagneticwaves):– telephone– radio and TV Chemical transmission (carrier: chemical compounds):– genetic code (DNA, chromosomes)– hormonal system Olfactory transmission (Latin olfacere = smelling, employingthe sense of smell) (carrier: chemical compounds):– scents emitted by gregarious insects (pheromones) Electro-chemical transmission:– nervous systemHow can a code be recognised? In the case of an unknown systemit is not always easy to decide whether one is dealing with areal code or not. The conditions required for a code are now mentionedand explained, after having initially discussed hieroglyphicsas an example. The following are necessary conditions (NC), all61