Babbage's Difference Engine
The Difference Engine was an accurate mechanical calculator designed by Charles Babbage in the 1840s, but was never built in its inventor's lifetime.
Login to rate this video.
Embed this video
Send to a friend
People who liked this video also liked
Comments
17 comments posted so far. Expand all comments Login to add a comment.
19 
As a university student, I find it difficult to begin to comprehend how mathematicians in the 19th century would attempt to produce these machines, 31 decimal places?! I'm used to using a digital calculator digitally so seeing a mechanical realisation of something so complex is mind-boggling.
29
4. Comment rated too low. Show this comment beerholder 1 year ago
From what it does, it sounds more like a calculator than a computer
13
6. glassweaver 1 year ago
This isn't even his greatest work. After the difference engine, he designed the analytical engine - a machine with a mechanical processor, mechanical RAM, and mechanical data storage.
Yes, Babbage invented a mechanical processor, one that the microprocessor in the machine you're using right now is modeled after to this day (just on a molecular level). Moreover, if you try to find who invented binary, you'll get a lot of arguments about this, mostly debating people from the 1940's/50's.
In reality though? Babbage. 1837. Oh yes, and the hard drive in the machine you're using is also modeled after his designs.
@Beerholder, a calculator is a computer.
37
8. Comment rated too low. Show this comment wongraven 1 year ago
Its a damn mecha.nical calculator !! Think of the ones who imagined and buildt this machine !! Anyway, YES to MORE VIDEOS here on snotr !! I am not satisfied !! 
45
10. loadrunner 1 year ago
#4 This calculator does not need to update every 12 ours and keep the internet connection cranked. 
18
12. thorargent 1 year ago
People back then were a lot sharper than most people today, they just didn't have the technical toys and resources we have. Adversity sharpens the mind.
25
14. Dudtotally 1 year ago
How can you say "people were a lot smarter back than most people today"? we where equally smart, just different circumstances..
18
15. thorargent 1 year ago
#14 Well, for example, what you wrote is not even close to being correct or what I wrote. Think about it.
32
17. cyberdevil 1 year ago
I wonder who's ahead of their time right now and isn't able to build their latest invention. Really fascinating stuff this is. 
(100 votes)
+14
1. WildMonkey 1 year ago
At least he wasn't forgotten, unlike his chain of retail electronic stores.