Mathematician & Pioneer of the Modern Computer
Known as one of the great mathematicians, Charles Babbage pioneered the digital age. He is credited with creating the concept for the first programmable computer, the Difference Engine, which was built in the early 20th Century. A mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer, Babbage helped to create the modern world.
As a youth, Babbage was often ill; he spent much of his early life between county grammar schools and being home schooled by private tutors. However, it was his independent study that saw him attain intellectual heights far earlier than his peers. When he reached Cambridge University in 1810, he was already absorbing the latest mathematical theorems. Armed with the cutting edge of his craft, he challenged the existing orthodoxies. Although he failed to graduate with honours, he would be given an honorary degree later in his life for his achievements.
Babbage was concerned by human error in calculation and sought to construct a ‘difference machine.’ He was very capable with logarithms, and marshalled arguments that excited investors in the project. The government granted Babbage £17,000 (the equivalent of the cost of two warships at that time) for his work. Although the project was never completed - and almost induced a mental breakdown - the concept laid the groundwork for the modern computer. He also struck up a thriving relationship with Ada Lovelace, who saw the value of his ideas; together, they advanced theories on programming. Babbage’s design was finally constructed in 1989–1991. Two completed models of the Difference Engine are currently in existence, one at London’s Science Museum, the other in the Computer History Museum in and California.
A fierce intellect, Babbage was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge from 1828 until 1839. He helped to form the Astronomical and Statistical Societies in 1820 and worked with them until 1834. His ability to code-break was ahead of time, with his discoveries being taken on by the British military.
Babbage was laid to rest in Kensal Green Cemetery, his brain having been removed from his body. Half of his brain is on display at the Science Museum and the other half is at the Hunterian Museum in the Royal College of Surgeons.
As a youth, Babbage was often ill; he spent much of his early life between county grammar schools and being home schooled by private tutors. However, it was his independent study that saw him attain intellectual heights far earlier than his peers. When he reached Cambridge University in 1810, he was already absorbing the latest mathematical theorems. Armed with the cutting edge of his craft, he challenged the existing orthodoxies. Although he failed to graduate with honours, he would be given an honorary degree later in his life for his achievements.
Babbage was concerned by human error in calculation and sought to construct a ‘difference machine.’ He was very capable with logarithms, and marshalled arguments that excited investors in the project. The government granted Babbage £17,000 (the equivalent of the cost of two warships at that time) for his work. Although the project was never completed - and almost induced a mental breakdown - the concept laid the groundwork for the modern computer. He also struck up a thriving relationship with Ada Lovelace, who saw the value of his ideas; together, they advanced theories on programming. Babbage’s design was finally constructed in 1989–1991. Two completed models of the Difference Engine are currently in existence, one at London’s Science Museum, the other in the Computer History Museum in and California.
A fierce intellect, Babbage was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge from 1828 until 1839. He helped to form the Astronomical and Statistical Societies in 1820 and worked with them until 1834. His ability to code-break was ahead of time, with his discoveries being taken on by the British military.
Babbage was laid to rest in Kensal Green Cemetery, his brain having been removed from his body. Half of his brain is on display at the Science Museum and the other half is at the Hunterian Museum in the Royal College of Surgeons.
