A series in which Mark Whitaker tells the stories of four computer pioneers. 4: Water on the BrainWhile studying for a sociology degree at the London School of Economics, New Zealand engineer Bill Phillips wrote an essay comparing the national economy to a machine pumping coloured water round clear plastic tubes. An older student persuaded him to build such a machine and it was an immediate success, leadingtoa professorship and fame as one of the great postwareconomists. Although he died young, his friends and colleagues still recall his work. ProducerMike Hally. E-MAIL: scirad@bbc.co.uk