Related Object Info
fragment of Babbage's first difference engine
Metal calculating wheels are here mounted on a rectangular wooden base with plastic label reading "Calculating Wheels / Designed By / Charles Babbage / 1834."
These posts, gears, and toothed wheels were assembled by Charles Babbage's son, Henry P. Babbage to illustrate the mechanism for addition used by his father in his first difference engine. The design shown is circa 1822 (not 1834 as labeled).
This sample is made up of fragments prepared by Babbage for his first difference engine, which was never completed in the 1820s because Babbage began work on the design of his second engine.
The German silver ring engraved with numerals was never attached to this piece. It was a sample of a ring showing a digit of a larger numeral.
In its present arrangement, the example will not operate. One half of the assembly is mounted 180 degrees off from the other. It should be turned in order to be correctly placed.