The full title of this book is The Development of Punch Card Tabulation in the Bureau of the Census 1890-1940. Keep in mind that, at this time, the 10-year Census is one of the most data-intensive undertakings in the history of the nation. Many believe it is only due to Hollerith's inventions that the 1890 census was done before the 1900 census was due to begin. But Truesdell seems to have missed that point.
One reviewer, in 1969, said this of the book:
"Chapters ii and iii will be the most interesting to historians of technology, the former being on Herman Hollerith, Dr. John Shaw Billings,
and the relations between them, the latter being an all-too-brief account
of the Hollerith tabulating system. While in the latter chapter the term
system appears frequently, the author either does not appreciate or does
not feel worthy of mention the fact that Hollerith developed an integrated system in the modern sense. Truesdell does not discuss in depth all of the components of the system, let alone show how they are all part of a unified whole.
The major disappointment, however, is Chapter ii. Less than two
pages discuss Herman Hollerith, the developer of the system about
which the book is written..."
Larry Murphy. Technology and Culture, Volume 10, Number 3, July 1969, pp. 455-457. (Review)
These books are somewhat hard to find but this is special in that it contains Truesdel's signature and a handwritten note. The inscription reads as follows:
(The first/last names of the recipients are somewhat illegible...see picture.)
To Mr. & Mrs. Waldron Fanllens
With the compliments of
the author
Leon E Truesdell
June 1967
There is also a stamp at the bottom left of the page that indicates this book was in Truesdell's library and not inscribed at a book signing. The stamp reads:
Dr. Leon E. Truesdell
3429 Ordway Street
Washington 16, D. C.