Charles Babbage (December 26, 1791 - October 18, 1871) was an English mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer who originated the concept of a programmable computer. In 1822 he began work on what he called the difference engine, made t
Charles Babbage (December 26, 1791 - October 18, 1871) was an English mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer who originated the concept of a programmable computer. In 1822 he began work on what he called the difference engine, made to compute values of polynomial functions, and created to calculate a series of values automatically. By using the method of finite differences, it was possible to avoid the need for multiplication and division. Although his machines were mechanical and unwieldy, their basic architecture was very similar to a modern computer and were among the first mechanical computers, although they were not actually completed. Soon after the attempt at making the difference engine crumbled, he started designing a different, more complex machine called the Analytical Engine. The main difference between the two engines is that the Analytical Engine could be programmed using punched cards. He realized that programs could be put on these cards so the designer had only to create the program initially and then put the cards in the machine and let it run. He also achieved notable results in cryptography and invented the pilot (also called a cow-catcher), the metal frame attached to the front of locomotives that clears the tracks of obstacles. He died in 1871 of renal inadequacy, secondary to cystitis, at the age of 79. Half of his brain is preserved at the Hunterian Museum in the Royal College of Surgeons in London, and the other half is on display in the Science Museum, London. In 1991, a perfectly functioning difference engine was constructed from Babbage's original plans. Built to tolerances achievable in the 19th century, the success of the finished engine indicated that Babbage's machine would have worked.
Size: 3750px × 4268px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -, -catcher, 19th, analytical, art, artwork, babbage, bw, catcher, century, charles, computer, cryptographer, cryptography, difference, drawing, engine, engineer, english, european, famous, father, figure, historic, historical, history, illustration, important, inventor, male, man, mathematician, mathematics, mechanical, men, notable, people, person, personalities, personality, philosopher, portrait, programmable, science, scientist
