The Mathematical Work of Charles Babbage

J. M. Dubbey

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511622397

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.

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The Mathematical Work of Charles Babbage

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-iv

Contents
pp v-vi

Preface
pp vii-viii

1 - Introduction
pp 1-9

2 - British mathematics 1800–30
pp 10-30

3 - The Analytical Society
pp 31-50

4 - The calculus of functions
pp 51-92

5 - ‘The Philosophy of Analysis’
pp 93-130

6 - Miscellaneous papers in analysis, probability and geometry
pp 131-153

7 - Notation
pp 154-172

8 - Babbage and his computers
pp 173-219

9 - Conclusion
pp 220-229

Appendix: mathematical books and papers by Charles Babbage
pp 230-231

Index
pp 232-235

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The Mathematical Work of Charles Babbage

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