Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

combinatory logic
     
        A system for reducing the operational notation of {logic},
        mathematics or a {functional language} to a sequence of
        modifications to the input data structure.  First introduced
        in the 1920's by {Schoenfinkel}.  Re-introduced independently
        by {Haskell Curry} in the late 1920's (who quickly learned of
        Schoenfinkel's work after he had the idea).  Curry is really
        responsible for most of the development, at least up until
        work with Feys in 1958.
     
        See {combinator}.
     
        (1995-01-05)