Sketch of the Analytical Engine invented by Charles Babbage, Esq.Menabrea, Luigi Federico
Science
Sketch of the Analytical Engine invented by Charles Babbage, Esq.
Menabrea, Luigi Federico
Babbage, Charles, 1791-1871; Numerical analysis
We have represented the solution of these two equations, with every
detail, in a diagram[23] similar to those used in Note B.; but
additional explanations are requisite, partly in order to make this
more complicated case perfectly clear, and partly for the comprehension
of certain indications and notations not used in the preceding
diagrams. Those who may wish to understand Note G. completely, are
recommended to pay particular attention to the contents of the present
Note, or they will not otherwise comprehend the similar notation and
indications when applied to a much more complicated case.
In all calculations, the columns of Variables used may be divided into
three classes:—
1st. Those on which the data are inscribed:
2ndly. Those intended to receive the final results:
3dly. Those intended to receive such intermediate and temporary
combinations of the primitive data as are not to be permanently
retained, but are merely needed for working with, in order to
attain the ultimate results. Combinations of this kind might properly
be called secondary data. They are in fact so many successive
stages towards the final result. The columns which receive them
are rightly named Working-Variables, for their office is in its
nature purely subsidiary to other purposes. They develope an
intermediate and transient class of results, which unite the original
data with the final results.
The Result-Variables sometimes partake of the nature of
Working-Variables. It frequently happens that a Variable destined to
receive a final result is the recipient of one or more intermediate
values successively, in the course of the processes. Similarly, the
Variables for data often become Working-Variables, or Result-Variables,
or even both in succession. It so happens, however, that in the case
of the present equations the three sets of offices remain throughout
perfectly separate and independent.
It will be observed, that in the squares below the
Working-Variables nothing is inscribed. Any one of these
Variables is in many cases destined to pass through various values
successively during the performance of a calculation (although in
these particular equations no instance of this occurs). Consequently
no one fixed symbol, or combination of symbols, should be
considered as properly belonging to a merely Working-Variable;
and as a general rule their squares are left blank. Of course in this,
as in all other cases where we mention a general rule, it is
understood that many particular exceptions may be expedient.
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