Passages from the Life of a Philosopher by Charles Babbage

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Author Babbage, Charles, 1791-1871
LoC No. 15003228
Title Passages from the Life of a Philosopher
Credits Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team and
RichardW at http://www.pgdp.net
Summary "Passages from the Life of a Philosopher" by Charles Babbage is a semi-autobiographical account written in the mid-19th century. This work combines personal reflections with insights into the development of Babbage's inventions, particularly his pioneering work on calculating machines, including the Difference Engine. Through anecdotes and experiences across various social contexts, Babbage explores the challenges and triumphs he faced in the pursuit of knowledge and invention. The opening of the text introduces Babbage's thoughts on ancestry and the value of a name, reflecting on his own family history and philosophical musings about identity. He begins with a humorous consideration of heritage, asserting that despite the perceived advantages of a distinguished lineage, it also brings expectations that can weigh heavily. Following this, Babbage shares early childhood memories filled with curiosity and inquisitiveness, particularly highlighting his fascination with understanding the world around him. He recounts formative experiences that shaped his budding philosophical outlook, including an adventurous episode of being lost on London Bridge and a humorous incident involving a near-poisoning. Together, these glimpses into Babbage's early life set the stage for the themes of exploration and rational inquiry that permeate the book. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class QA: Science: Mathematics
Subject Mathematicians -- Great Britain -- Biography
Subject Babbage, Charles, 1791-1871
Category Text
EBook-No. 57532
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Nov 9, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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