Price/Cost Indexes from 1875 to 1989; Estimated to 2010
"Price/Cost Indexes from 1875 to 1989; Estimated to 2010" by Michael Hart is a scientific publication that appears to have been written in the late 20th century. The book discusses the fluctuations and trends in price and cost indexes from the late 19th century through the end of the 20th century, emphasizing the evolving value of the dollar over this extensive period. At the start of the work, the author introduces concepts related to consumer electronics, specifically computers, and how their increasing value since the late 1970s is juxtaposed against inflation and rising costs of other goods. Hart provides examples of early and modern computer prices, illustrating a significant decline in costs coupled with enhanced performance in newer models. The introduction also sets the stage for the subsequent exploration of cost/index figures over various decades, alluding to how inflation affects purchasing power and the perception of value across different eras. This foundational information prepares the reader to delve into more detailed analysis and comparative charts, which will follow in the rest of the publication.