Passages from the Life of a Philosopher

An 1864 collection of essays by Charles Babbage, the inventor of 'calculating machines', about his life and times.

Charles Babbage (Author)

9781108037884, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 October 2011

516 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.9 cm, 0.65 kg

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.

Preface
1. My ancestors
2. Childhood
3. Boyhood
4. Cambridge
5. Difference engine no. 1
6. Statement relative to the difference engine, drawn up by the late Sir H. Nicolas from the author's papers
7. Difference engine no. 2
8. Of the analytical engine
9. Of the mechanical notation
10. The exhibition of 1862
11. The late Prince Consort
12. Recollections of the Duke of Wellington
13. Recollections of Wollaston, Davy, and Rogers
14. Recollections of Laplace, Biot, and Humboldt
15. Experience by water
16. Experience by fire
17. Experience amongst workmen
18. Picking locks and deciphering
19. Experience in St. Giles's
20. Theatrical experience
21. Electioneering experience
22. Scene from a new after-piece
23. Experience at courts
24. Experience at courts
25. Railways
26. Street nuisances
27. Wit
28. Hints for travellers
29. Miracles
30. Religion
31. A vision
32. Various reminiscences
33. The author's contributions to human knowledge
34. The author's further contributions to human knowledge
35. Results of science
36. Agreeable recollections
Appendix
List of Mr. Babbage's printed papers.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]