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
Independent of the intrinsic advantages which we thus perceive to
result in certain cases from this use of the notation of the integral
calculus, there are likewise considerations which make it interesting,
from the connections and relations involved in this new application.
It has been observed in some of the former Notes, that the processes
used in analysis form a logical system of much higher generality
than the applications to number merely. Thus, when we read over any
algebraical formula, considering it exclusively with reference to the
processes of the engine, and putting aside for the moment its abstract
signification as to the relations of quantity, the symbols +, x, &c.,
in reality represent (as their immediate and proximate effect, when the
formula is applied to the engine) that a certain prism which is a part
[Pg 54]
of the mechanism (see Note C.), turns a new face, and thus presents
a new card to act on the bundles of levers of the engine; the new
card being perforated with holes, which are arranged according to the
peculiarities of the operation of addition, or of multiplication, &c.
Again, the numbers in the preceding formula (8.), each of them
really represents one of these very pieces of card that are hung over
the prism.
Now in the use made in the formulæ (7.). (8.) and (10.), of the
notation of the integral calculus, we have glimpses of a similar new
application of the language of the higher mathematics. ,
in reality, here indicates that when a certain number of cards have
acted in succession, the prism over which they revolve must rotate
backwards, so as to bring those cards into their former position;
and the limits 1 to , 1 to &c., regulate how often this
backward rotation is to be repeated.
A.A.L.
NOTE F.—Page 23.
There is in existence a beautiful woven portrait of Jacquard, in the
fabrication of which 24,000 cards were required.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account