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10 facts about Charles Babbage

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The calculating engines of English scientist Charles Babbage (1791-1871) are among the most famous icons in computer history. Babbage’s Difference Engine No.1 was the first successful automated calculator and is still regarded as one of the best examples of precision engineering of its day.

Babbage has been dubbed the “Father of Computing.” To celebrate his intellectual accomplishments and their relevance to modern computers, the International Charles Babbage Society (later the Charles Babbage Institute) acquired his name.

1. His childhood was troubled by illness

At the age of eight, he suffered from a near-fatal fever. He eventually had to drop out of King Edward VI Grammar school to study under private tutors. Luckily for him, his family could afford private tutors and exclusive private schools. Charles, therefore, overcame his health woes to attain university-level qualifications.

2. Babbage was a polymath

He was knowledgeable in a wide variety of subjects. Between 1813 and 1868 he authored nearly ninety papers on subjects such as geology, astronomy, mathematics, statistics, mechanical engineering and philosophy. He also published a treatise on natural theology and industrial production. The wide scope of his work makes him pre-eminent among polymaths of the 19th century.

3. Created several scholarly societies 

He formed several scholarly societies including The Analytical Society in 1812 and The Astronomical society in 1820. He was also a fellow of The Royal Society. Membership in these learned societies gave Babbage the intellectual networks necessary for his own scientific endeavours.

4. He loved mathematics

From an early age, Babbage showed a keen interest in mathematical subjects. He was already self-taught in several areas of the standard university curriculum by the time of his admission to The University of Cambridge. Babbage was disappointed in the university mathematics courses and ended up studying the subject with fellows at The Analytical Society.

5. He was fascinated by the occult

As a young boy, Babbage wondered if the existence of supernatural beings could be proven scientifically. As a schoolboy, he tried to summon the devil by performing a satanic ritual. His failure notwithstanding, Babbage formed The Ghost Club with a group of University peers. This society investigated paranormal claims using scientific methods. However, Babbage鈥檚 belief in the occult appears to have faded because he formed The Extractors Club thereafter. This society was committed to the liberation of its members from madhouses.

6. He financed most of his scientific research from his personal fortune.

Following his father鈥檚 death in 1827, Babbage inherited today鈥檚 equivalent of over $10 million. He used this inheritance to sponsor numerous scientific inventions. Among his inventions were the ophthalmoscope, a cowcatcher for railway locomotives and a seismic detector. Babbage was deeply passionate about his work and would devote his own resources to finding solutions for common technical problems.

7. He is considered the father of the computer

Modern computers are modelled on Charles鈥� analytical engine. The device successfully processed punched inputs into useful information, even permitting the operator to store data for later retrieval. His invention laid the groundwork for the modern computer. 

8. 1827 was a tragic year for him

In 1814, against his father’s wishes, Babbage married Georgiana Whitmore. The marriage was a joyous one. In 1827, tragedy struck. His father, with whom he had a strained relationship, his second son (Charles), Georgiana, and a newborn boy all died within a year of one other. Babbage was distraught. He went on a long tour on the Continent as he was nearing the end of his life.

There came one more brutal blow. Georgiana, his adoring daughter, died when she was still in her teens, somewhere about 1834. Babbage became engrossed in his task. When his father died, he inherited a 拢100,000 inheritance, a sizable wealth – between $6 to $30 million in today’s money. He never married again.

9. He was a controversial figure

Babbage40 by The Mechanic’s Magazine from Wikimedia commons

Babbage鈥檚 irascible character resulted in altercations with both elites and commoners. Illustratively, he aggressively campaigned against street music, hoop rolling boys and stilt walkers, even writing a book on the matter titled 鈥淥bservations on Street Nuisances鈥�. He also criticized the leadership of the Royal Society for impeding scientific research. He ended up founding the British Association for the Advancement of Science, a body aimed at forming independent learned societies.

10. His inventions are displayed at the Science Museum in London

Charles Babbage machine by Atomic Taco from

These include a different machine for resolving astronomical and mathematical tables, a monitoring device for railway tracks and speaking tubes that allowed convenient communication between disparate locations. Charles鈥� research and inventions remain relevant to date and we can thank him for making life easier for all.

In a prophetic passage written towards the end of his life, Babbage affirmed his conviction in the value of his work.

If unwarned by my example, any man shall undertake and shall succeed in really constructing an engine … upon different principles or by simpler mechanical means, I have no fear of leaving my reputation in his charge, for he alone will be fully able to appreciate the nature of my efforts and the value of their results.