Synopses & Reviews
Regarded as a crackpot by his contemporaries and a genius by modern scientists, Charles Babbage (1792-1871) was the true discoverer of the principles on which all modern computing machines are based. His achievements have been virtually forgotten, but this compilation of his writings, in addition to those of several of his contemporaries, illuminates his pioneering work.
Part I consists of selections from Babbage's long-out-of-print autobiography, Passages from the Life of a Philosopher, in which he recounts the pursuit of his dreams and remarks on noteworthy acquaintances, including Laplace, Biot, Humboldt, and Sir Humphry Davy. Additional features include articles, sketches, and letters by Babbage himself along with notes by his contemporaries that explain the principles and operation of the inventor's brilliant — but never completed — calculating machines. An informative Introduction places these writings in their historical context.
Synopsis
Charles Babbage (1792-1871) articulated the principles behind modern computing machines. This compilation of his writings, plus those of several of his contemporaries, illuminates the early history of the calculator.
Synopsis
Charles Babbage (1792-1871) articulated the principles behind modern computing machines. This compilation of his writings, plus those of several of his contemporaries, illuminates the early history of the calculator.
Synopsis
Eighteenth-century mathematician Charles Babbage articulated the principles on which all modern computing machines are based. This compilation of his writings, in addition to those of several of his contemporaries, illuminates the work that led to the development of the calculator. Essential reference for anyone interested in the history of computing technology.
Table of Contents
Introduction Note on the History of Punch Cards Bibliography Part I: Chapters from
Passages from the Life of a Philosopher Part II: Selections from
Babbage's Calculating Engines Part III: Appendix of Miscellaneous Papers Index