Known as one of the pioneers or inventors
from the first computer. Charles Babbage is one of the world's scientists
listed as the inventor of the First Computer, which has given much of his work
to human life, especially in the field of computers.
The Difference Engine no.1 discovered by
Charles Babbage (1791-1871) is one of the most famous icons in the history of
computer development and was the first automated calculator. Babbage is also
famous for the nickname of the father of computers. The Charles Babbage
Foundation uses its name to appreciate its contribution to the computer world.
Charles Babbage was born in the area now
known as Southwark, London, December 26, 1791, the son of Benjamin Babbage, a
Banker. The advantages in mathematics are very prominent. Upon entering Trinity
College in Cambridge in 1811, he discovered that his mathematical abilities
were much better, even than his own tutor. At the age of 20 annual Babbage
worked as a mathematician, especially in the field of calculus function. In
1816, he was elected a member of the "Royal Society" (an independent
British academic and scientific organization, still active today). He also
played an important role in the "Astronomical Society" (British
Astronomy and Geophysics Association) organization in 1820. At this time
Babbage became interested in the arithmetic machine, which continued until the
end of his life.
Creating a
Computer Origin Difference Engine
Year 1821 Babbage created the Difference
Engine, a machine that can arrange Mathematical Table. Upon completing the
machine in 1832, Babbage got the idea of a better machine, which would be
able to complete not just one type but different types of arithmetic
operations.
This machine is called Analytical Engine
(1856), which is intended as a general symbol manipulation machine, and has
some characteristics of modern computers. Among them are the use of punched
cards, a memory unit for inputting numbers, and various other basic computer
elements.
Babbage's work was less famous until one day
he met the Ada, Countess of Lovelace, son of Lord Byron. Babbage first met at
an event on June 6, 1833. Nine years later, Luigi Federico Manabrea (an Italian
engineer) explained how the Analytical Engine works. This work was later
translated and added to the notes by Ada Lovelace in 1843. From that time on
people began to recognize the work of Charles Babbage.
But unfortunately, only a few remnants of the
prototype engine Difference Engine, because the needs of these machines exceed
the technology available at that time. And although Babbage's work was rewarded
by various science institutions, the British Government temporarily suspended
funding for the Difference Engine in 1832, and was finally terminated entirely
in 1842. Similarly, the Difference Engine embodied only in plans and designs.
The Lucasian
Chair of Mathematics
From 1828 to 1839, Babbage obtained the title
of the Lucasian chair of mathematics (the world's most prestigious mathematics
professor) from Cambridge University. In addition to calculating machines,
Babbage also provides other contributions.
Among them are creating a modern postal
system in the UK, compiling the first reliable insurance table, locomotive
cowcather (triangular structure on the front of the train, capable of cleaning
the rails from disturbance) and several others. In addition Babbage also
contributed his ideas in the economic and political fields.
Charles Babbage was also an expert in
cryptanalysis who successfully solved the vigenere cipher (polyalphabet
cipher). This skill has actually been owned since 1854, after he managed to
defeat Thwaites challenge to solve his cipher. However, this discovery was not
published so it was discovered in the 20th century when experts check Babbage's
notebooks (notes, notes).
Behind all his success, his failure in
calculating machine manufacture and the failure of government aid to him, left
Babbage in disappointment and sadness at the end of his lifetime. Babbage died
at his home in London on 18 October 1871.
Computer discovery by Babbage became the most
beneficial contribution to mankind. Since then Babbage's invention has
continued to be developed especially the invention of modern computers made by
Alan Turing. Currently the computer becomes a supporting tool in human life and
its form is increasingly modern and increasingly sophisticated from personal
computers, laptops to super computers.
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