Who is Charles Babbage?

Charles Babbage was born on December 26, 1791 in England. He was a polymath and became a mathematician,
mechanical engineer, inventor, and philosopher. He contributed to many different scientific fields but his most famous
work is designing a programmable computing device.

Charles Babbage is considered the “Father of the Computer” and is given credit for devising the first ever mechanical
computer. His design served as the blueprint for other, more complex machines.

In 1821, Babbage invented the Difference Engine to compile mathematical tables. On completing it in 1832, he
conceived the idea of a better machines that could perform not just one mathematical task but any kind of calculation.
This was the Analytical Engine (1856), which was intended as a general symbol manipulator, and had some of the
characteristics of today’s computers.

In 1991, a functioning Difference Engine No. 2 was built based on Babbage’s original drawings at the Science Museum,
London. It consisted of 8,000 parts, weighed five tons, and measured 11 feet long. The engine was built under conditions
that were available during the 19th century. In 2000, the Science Museum also completed the printer Babbage had
designed for the difference engine.

His machines were considered as one of the very first mechanical computers ever to be invented. The fact that they
were not actually built was not due to a design flaw but rather, it was due to lack of funding. While the machines he
designed were mechanical and bulky, the basic concept is similar to the modern computer. It is for this reason why he is
often looked at as one of the pioneers of computer.

Other works

Babbage published “On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures” in 1832 about industrial production. In the book,
it describes what is now known as the “Babbage Principle” which noted the advantages of using division labor in
factories.

In 1838, Babbage invented the pilot (also called a cow-catcher), which is the metal frame attached to the front of
locomotives that clears the tracks of obstacles.

Babbage also invented an ophthalmoscope, which is used in eye examinations.

Personal and Death

In 1814, Babbage married Georgiana Whitmore. They had eight children together, but only three lived beyond
childhood. His wife died in 1827.

Charles Babbage died on October 18, 1871, aged 79 due to “renal inadequacy”. He is buried in the Kensal Green
Cemetery in London.