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Charles Babbage Quotes

Mathematician

Charles Babbage, born on December 26, 1791 and died on October 18, 1871, was a renowned British mathematician, inventor, and engineer, often referred to as the 'father of computers'. He made significant contributions in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and mechanical engineering, and his designs of the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine laid the foundation for the development of computer science.

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Famous Charles Babbage Quotes

“The quantity of meaning compressed into small space by algebraic signs, is another circumstance that facilitates the reasonings we are accustomed to carry on by their aid.”

Space Circumstances Aids Reasoning Quantity Accustomed Facilitate Small Spaces

Book:On the Influence of Signs in Mathematical Reasoning

Source: On the Influence of Signs in Mathematical Reasoning

“In mathematical science, more than in all others, it happens that truths which are at one period the most abstract, and apparently the most remote from all useful application, become in the next age the bases of profound physical inquiries, and in the succeeding one, perhaps, by proper simplification and reduction to tables, furnish their ready and daily aid to the artist and the sailor.”

Happens Age Artist Next Ready Periods Succeed Bases Tables Profound Aids Mathematical Abstract Application Inquiry Sailor Reduction Simplification

Book:Reflections on the decline of science in England and on some of its causes: with a new appendix of correspondence by Charles Babbage & Peter M. Roget from the Philosophical magazine

Source: Reflections on the decline of science in England and on some of its causes: with a new appendix of correspondence by Charles Babbage & Peter M. Roget from the Philosophical magazine

“The half minute which we daily devote to the winding-up of our watches is an exertion of labour almost insensible; yet, by the aid of a few wheels, its effect is spread over the whole twenty-four hours.”

Whole Hours Half Watches Four Minutes Effects Twenties Spread Aids Wheels Labour Exertion Insensible Winding Up

Book:On The Economy Of Machinery And Manufactures

Source: On The Economy Of Machinery And Manufactures

“As soon as an Analytical Engine exists, it will necessarily guide the future course of the science. Whenever any result is sought by its aid, the question will then arise — by what course of calculation can these results be arrived at by the machine in the shortest time?”

Courses Results Machines Guides Aids Arise Engines Calculations

Book:Charles Babbage on the Principles and Development of the Calculator: And Other Seminal Writings

Source: Charles Babbage on the Principles and Development of the Calculator: And Other Seminal Writings