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Quote by Charles Babbage

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On the Principles and Development of the Calculator and Other Seminal Writings

On the Principles and Development of the Calculator and Other Seminal Writings is a scholarly compilation that delves into the historical and theoretical aspects of calculator development. It includes a collection of writings that have contributed to the advancement of mathematical instruments and computational technology. more

Author

Charles Babbage
Charles Babbage

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. more

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“Scientific knowledge scarcely exists amongst the higher classes of society. The discussion in the Houses of Lords or of Commons, which arise on the occurrence of any subjects connected with science, sufficiently prove this fact.”

FactsGovernmentHouseLordClassSubjectsHigherProveConnectedAriseDiscussionScientific KnowledgeHouse Of LordsClasses Of Society
Book:Science and Reform: Selected Works of Charles Babbage
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“In England, the profession of the law is that which seems to hold out the strongest attraction to talent, from the circumstance, that in it ability, coupled with exertion, even though unaided by patronage, cannot fail of obtaining reward.”

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Book:Reflections on the Decline of Science in England: And on Some of Its Causes, by Charles Babbage (1830). To which is Added On the Alleged Decline of Science in England, by a Foreigner (Gerard Moll) with a Foreword by Michael Faraday (1831).
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“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?”

CoursesResultsMachinesGuidesAidsAriseEnginesCalculations
Book:Charles Babbage on the Principles and Development of the Calculator: And Other Seminal Writings
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“Propose to an Englishman any principle, or any instrument, however admirable, and you will observe that the whole effort of the English mind is directed to find a difficulty, a defect, or an impossibility in it. If you speak to him of a machine for peeling a potato, he will pronounce it impossible: if you peel a potato with it before his eyes, he will declare it useless, because it will not slice a pineapple.”

IfsMindWholeEyeSpeakEffortPrinciplesImpossibleMachinesDifficultyInstrumentsUselessHis EyesDefectsImpossibilityPotatoesProposeEnglishmenAdmirablePeelingPineapples
Book:Scientific and Miscellaneous Papers
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