Charles Babbage and the Engines of Perfection

Charles Babbage, the grandfather of the modern computer,Ó successfully formulated a table of logarithms, allowing mathematical calculations to be executed with extreme precision. Only the chance of human error prevented infallibility. He concluded that a machine that automated calculations & left the human mind out of the equation had to be created. He devoted his life designing & perfecting his difference engines & analytical engines -- precursors to the modern computer. This biography traces Babbage's education & scientific career, his forays into philosophy, & the biggest disappointment of his life -- his ingenious inventions were centuries ahead of the primitive capabilities of Victorian technology. Illustrations.Collier, Bruce is the author of 'Charles Babbage and the Engines of Perfection', published 2006 under ISBN 9781422350409 and ISBN 1422350401.