Is it normal to find this talk very very fascinating? 
This is Archaeology-on-technology (sure there is a nicer or proper word for it somewhere). BECAUSE the original is lost, and it was a "milestone" or de-facto standard much revolved about.
The fascinating thing IMHO is that the emulator simulates the physical wiring - assuming perfect transistors. Fine, as only the logic function is being done, not racetimes or other failures.
OK, enough posting - I need to look at the webpages now.