The Mathematical Work of Charles BabbageCambridge University Press, 2004 M02 12 - 244 pages Charles Babbage (1791-1871) is today remembered mainly for his attempt to complete his difference and analytical engines, the principles of which anticipate the major ideas of the modern digital computer. This book describes the evolution of Babbage's work on the design and implementation of the engines by means of a detailed study of his early mathematical investigations. Babbage is an almost legendary figure of the Victorian era, yet relatively little is known about him and no authoritative account of his life and work has appeared. He was primarily a mathematician and his early working life was devoted mainly to the study of pure mathematics. While containing much biographical information, this book concentrates on this crucial aspect of Babbage's work. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
a²x algebra analytical engine Analytical Society arbitrary constant arbitrary function arithmetic attempt Babbage's becomes British mathematics British Museum British Museum Additional Calculating Engines calculus of functions carriage century chapter Charles Babbage complete considered construction contains difference engine difference equation Differential Calculus differential equation differential notation difficulty Edinburgh Edinburgh Review essay examination example expression f²x fluxions functional equations generalisation geometry George Peacock give given Government Ibid ideas indicates induction infinite series integral interesting introduced invention inverse function J. F. W. Herschel Leibniz letter London machine mathematicians means mechanical Memoirs method multiplying Museum Additional Manuscripts Newton obtained operations original paper particular solution Philosophical Transactions Philosophy of Analysis porisms possible principle problem published quantities questions reference remarks replaced result Royal Society signs solve substitution successive suggested symbols theorems tion variables Whewell Woodhouse written ψαχ ψχ