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  1. Home
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  3. Passages from the Life of a Philosopher
  • Cited by 11
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
October 2012
Print publication year:
2011
First published in:
1864
Online ISBN:
9781139103671
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139103671
Subjects:
History of Science, Computer Science, Engineering: General Interest, General Science, Computing: General Interest
Series:
Cambridge Library Collection - Technology
Information

Book description

The mathematician and engineer Charles Babbage (1791–1871) is best remembered for his 'calculating machines', which are considered the forerunner of modern computers. Over the course of his life he wrote a number of books based on his scientific investigations, but in this volume, published in 1864, Babbage writes in a more personal vein. He points out at the beginning of the work that it 'does not aspire to the name of autobiography', though the chapters sketch out the contours of his life, beginning with his family, his childhood and formative years studying at Cambridge, and moving through various episodes in his scientific career. However, the work also diverges into his observations on other topics, as indicated by chapter titles such as 'Street Nuisances' and 'Wit'. Babbage's colourful recollections give an intimate portrait of the life of one of Britain's most influential inventors.

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