Difference engine

:For the novel by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson, see The Difference Engine

History

The first of these devices was conceived in 1786 by J. H. Mueller. It was never built.

Related Topics:
1786 - J. H. Mueller

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Difference engines were forgotten and then rediscovered in 1822 by Charles Babbage. This machine used the decimal numbers system and was powered by cranking a handle. The British government first financed the project but then later cut off support. Babbage went on to design his much more general analytical engine but later returned and produced an improved design (his "Difference Engine No. 2") between 1847 and 1849. Inspired by Babbage's difference engine plans, Per Georg Scheutz built several difference engines from 1855 onwards; one was sold to the British government in 1859. Martin Wiberg improved the construction even further but used his device only for producing and publishing printed logarithmic tables.

Related Topics:
1822 - Charles Babbage - British government - Analytical engine - 1847 - 1849 - Per Georg Scheutz - 1855 - 1859 - Martin Wiberg - Logarithm

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Based on Babbage's original plans, the London Science Museum constructed a working Difference Engine No. 2 from 1989 to 1991. In 2000, the printer originally designed by Babbage was also completed. Both worked flawlessly. The difference engine and printer were constructed to tolerances achievable with 19th century technology, resolving a long-standing debate whether Babbage's design would actually have worked.

Related Topics:
London Science Museum - 1989 - 1991 - 2000 - Printer - 19th century

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