To 768
Add 643
----
Sum 1411
----
Remainder sought 411
The principle on which this process is founded is easily explained. In
the latter process we have first added 643, and then subtracted 1000. On
the whole, therefore, we have subtracted 357, since the number actually
subtracted exceeds the number previously added by that amount.
Since, therefore, subtraction may be effected in this manner by
addition, it follows that the calculation of all serieses, so far as an
order of differences can be found in them which continues constant, may
be conducted by the process of addition alone.
It also appears from what has been stated, that each addition consists
only of two operations. However numerous the figures may be of which the
several pairs of numbers to be thus added may consist, it is obvious
that the operation of adding them can only consist of repetitions of the
process of adding one digit to another; and of carrying one from the
column of inferior units to the column of units next superior when
necessary. If we would therefore reduce such a process to machinery, it
would only be necessary to discover such a combination of moving parts
as are capable of performing these two processes of _adding_ and _carrying_
on two single figures; for, this being once accomplished, the process of
adding two numbers, consisting of any number of digits, will be effected
by repeating the same mechanism as often as there are pairs of digits to
be added. Such was the simple form to which Mr Babbage reduced the
problem of discovering the calculating machinery; and we shall now
proceed to convey some notion of the manner in which he solved it.
For the sake of illustration, we shall suppose that the table to be
calculated shall consist of numbers not exceeding six places of figures;
and we shall also suppose that the difference of the fifth order is the
constant difference. Imagine, then, six rows of wheels, each wheel
carrying upon it a dial-plate like that of a common clock, but
consisting of _ten_ instead of _twelve_ divisions; the several divisions
being marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0. Let these dials be supposed
to revolve whenever the wheels to which they are attached are put in
motion, and to turn in such a direction that the series of increasing
numbers shall pass under the index which appears over each dial:--thus,
after 0 passes the index, 1 follows, then 2, 3, and so on, as the dial
revolves. In Fig. 1 are represented six horizontal rows of such dials.
Fig. 1.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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