Definition:Babbage's Analytical Engine

Part of Babbage's analytical engine, with a printing mechanism

Definition

Babbage's analytical engine was a proposed mechanical general-purpose computer designed by English mathematician and computer pioneer Charles Babbage.

Also see

• Definition:Babbage's Difference Engine

Source of Name

This entry was named for Charles Babbage.

Historical Note

Babbage's analytical engine contained in its design a number of essential features that are used in modern electronic computers.

Unfortunately, partly through lack of funds, Charles Babbage was unable to complete his analytical engine.

Sources

• 1989: Ephraim J. Borowski and Jonathan M. Borwein: Dictionary of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): analytical engine or difference engine
• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Babbage, Charles (1792-1871)
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Babbage, Charles (1792-1871)
• 2014: Christopher Clapham and James Nicholson: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (5th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Babbage, Charles (1792-1871)
• 2021: Richard Earl and James Nicholson: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (6th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Babbage, Charles (1792-1871)