A five-ton 'computer'

In our daily life we hardly realize how many tasks, functions and services around us are computerized. From early dawn till well after dark we use devices like laptops and cell phones like there was no life before them. But although we seem to travel at the speed of light through evolution, we only have to glance over our shoulder to realize that history is not that far away.

Charles Babbage was an English mathematician, philosopher and mechanical engineer who originated the concept of a programmable computer. Just over 150 years ago he designed his Difference Engine #2, an all-mechanical calculator. Back then it was too expensive and complicated to really build the calculator that holds over 8000 parts. It stayed conceptual…. until now. The Difference Engine #2 has been built, and it works!

The five-ton bronze, steel and cast iron contraption is operated by a crank handle and can calculate the results of elaborate trigonometric and logarithmic functions with 31 digits of precision. Furthermore it has a printer function, since Babbage worried that mistakes would be made by humans transcribing the results from its 31 metal output wheels.

The Difference Engine #2 is a astonishing calculator, and Charles Babbage in retrospect an even greater genius. Still, I’m glad his machine evolved into the microchips we have nowadays. Can you imagine what your iPod would look like, based on Babbages concept?