Charles Babbage Quotes

English - Mathematician December 26, 1792 - October 18, 1871

On two occasions I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question. Charles Babbage

Been, Answers, Figures

Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all. Charles Babbage

Data, Inadequate, Using

At each increase of knowledge, as well as on the contrivance of every new tool, human labour becomes abridged. Charles Babbage

New, Well, Increase

In mathematics we have long since drawn the rein, and given over a hopeless race. Charles Babbage

Race, Over, Given

A powerful attraction exists, therefore, to the promotion of a study and of duties of all others engrossing the time most completely, and which is less benefited than most others by any acquaintance with science. Charles Babbage

Study, Less, Which

The economy of human time is the next advantage of machinery in manufactures. Charles Babbage

Economy, Next, Advantage

That the state of knowledge in any country will exert a directive influence on the general system of instruction adopted in it, is a principle too obvious to require investigation. Charles Babbage

Country, Principle, Will

Surely, if knowledge is valuable, it can never be good policy in a country far wealthier than Tuscany, to allow a genius like Mr. Dalton's, to be employed in the drudgery of elementary instruction. Charles Babbage

Country, Surely, Allow

There is, however, another purpose to which academies contribute. When they consist of a limited number of persons, eminent for their knowledge, it becomes an object of ambition to be admitted on their list. Charles Babbage

However, Which, Admitted

Another mode of accumulating power arises from lifting a weight and then allowing it to fall. Charles Babbage

Fall, Mode, Lifting

The difference between a tool and a machine is not capable of very precise distinction; nor is it necessary, in a popular explanation of those terms, to limit very strictly their acceptation. Charles Babbage

Necessary, Distinction, Very

There are few circumstances which so strongly distinguish the philosopher, as the calmness with which he can reply to criticisms he may think undeservedly severe. Charles Babbage

Circumstances, Think, Which

A tool is usually more simple than a machine; it is generally used with the hand, whilst a machine is frequently moved by animal or steam power. Charles Babbage

More, Frequently, Moved

Whenever the work is itself light, it becomes necessary, in order to economize time, to increase the velocity. Charles Babbage

Necessary, Itself, Whenever

The half minute which we daily devote to the winding-up of our watches is an exertion of labour almost insensible; yet, by the aid of a few wheels, its effect is spread over the whole twenty-four hours. Charles Babbage

Over, Which, Devote

The proportion between the velocity with which men or animals move, and the weights they carry, is a matter of considerable importance, particularly in military affairs. Charles Babbage

Move, Which, Particularly

The public character of every public servant is legitimate subject of discussion, and his fitness or unfitness for office may be fairly canvassed by any person. Charles Babbage

May, Subject, Fairly

In turning from the smaller instruments in frequent use to the larger and more important machines, the economy arising from the increase of velocity becomes more striking. Charles Babbage

Smaller, Larger, Arising

Telegraphs are machines for conveying information over extensive lines with great rapidity. Charles Babbage

Over, Conveying, Extensive

The possessors of wealth can scarcely be indifferent to processes which, nearly or remotely have been the fertile source of their possessions. Charles Babbage

Wealth, Processes, Which

Those from whose pocket the salary is drawn, and by whose appointment the officer was made, have always a right to discuss the merits of their officers, and their modes of exercising the duties they are paid to perform. Charles Babbage

Always, Officer, Modes

Perhaps it would be better for science, that all criticism should be avowed. Charles Babbage

Better, Perhaps, Would

I am inclined to attach some importance to the new system of manufacturing; and venture to throw it out with the hope of its receiving a full discussion among those who are most interestedin the subject. Charles Babbage

New, Some, Importance

In England, the profession of the law is that which seems to hold out the strongest attraction to talent, from the circumstance, that in it ability, coupled with exertion, even though unaided by patronage, cannot fail of obtaining reward. Charles Babbage

Reward, Profession, Which

It is therefore not unreasonable to suppose that some portion of the neglect of science in England, may be attributed to the system of education we pursue. Charles Babbage

Education, England, Some

It will be readily admitted, that a degree conferred by an university, ought to be a pledge to the public that he who holds it possesses a certain quantity of knowledge. Charles Babbage

Quantity, Will, Admitted

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