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.
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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.
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4. Comment rated too low. Show this comment beerholder 117 days ago
From what it does, it sounds more like a calculator than a computer
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6. glassweaver 117 days 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.
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8. Comment rated too low. Show this comment wongraven 117 days 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 !! 
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10. loadrunner 117 days ago
#4 This calculator does not need to update every 12 ours and keep the internet connection cranked. 
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12. thorargent 117 days 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.
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14. Dudtotally 117 days ago
How can you say "people were a lot smarter back than most people today"? we where equally smart, just different circumstances..
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15. thorargent 116 days ago
#14 Well, for example, what you wrote is not even close to being correct or what I wrote. Think about it.
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17. cyberdevil 72 days 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. 
(96 votes)
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1. WildMonkey 118 days ago
At least he wasn't forgotten, unlike his chain of retail electronic stores.