The mechanical computer or ‘difference engine’ was first proposed on June 14, 1882 by Charles Babbage at a lecture in the Royal Astronomical Society of London.
Babbage’s difference engine is a mechanical calculator that evaluates polynomial functions and is the forerunner of the modern-day computer. The name ‘difference engine’ comes from the method of divided differences, a way to interpolate functions by using a small set of polynomial coefficients. Most mathematical functions commonly used by engineers, scientists and navigators can be approximated by polynomials. A difference engine is able to compute many useful tables of numbers.
Babbage envisioned the concept of a digital, programmable computer and is regarded as one of the creators of ideas that are fundamental to the principles of computing. He is considered by many to be the father of computers.
Although the difference engine could not be completed by Babbage, in 1991 a working difference engine was constructed using Babbage’s plans, proving that his designs would have worked. Babbage’s design for the difference engine and his later analytical engine inspired future designs of working mechanical computers.
Picture Credit : Google
