fossil_digger Report This Comment Date: March 31, 2013 01:34AM
Charles Babbage , (26 December 1791 – 18 October 1871) was an English
mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer who originated the
concept of a programmable computer.Considered a “father of the computer”,
Babbage is credited with inventing the first mechanical computer that eventually
led to more complex designs.
Parts of his uncompleted mechanisms are on display in the London Science Museum.
In 1991, a perfectly functioning difference engine was constructed from
Babbage’s original plans. Built to tolerances achievable in the 19th century,
the success of the finished engine indicated that Babbage’s machine would have
worked. Nine years later, the Science Museum completed the printer Babbage had
designed for the difference engine.