BABBAGE, C. A LETTER TO SIR HUMPHRY DAVY, LONDON, 1822

4to (269 x 216mm.), 12pp., preserved in green cloth chemise, pamphlet disbound from larger volume of pamphlets, small holes at margins from stitching, slight browning and slight creasing, a few minor spots

bought from Jeremy Norman, San Francisco, 1994

Tomash & Williams B29; Origins of Cyberspace 29; Randell 1982 p.435; Van Sinderen 18

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

BABBAGE'S VERY RARE PAMPHLET ANNOUNCING HIS PROJECT OF "THE DIFFERENCE ENGINE", A CALCULATING MACHINE FAR MORE ADVANCED THAN ANY PREVIOUSLY CONCEIVED. Babbage was only a few years out of Cambridge when he decided to devote his efforts to the production of a Difference Engine, so-called because of the mathematical principle on which it was based, the method of calculating finite difference. This was to overcome the "intolerable labour and fatiguing monotony of a continued repetition of similar arithmetical calculations" (p.1). This paper describes his concept, a pilot project, his critical results, and eventually his indirect request for financial support. The result of this open letter was a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1823 who subsequently provided £1000 to construct the Engine. The project was subsequently hindered by delays and funding difficulties, but eventually, after being partially entrusted to John Herschel, a section of the engine was successfully assembled by the end of 1832. It worked impeccably. Transferred to the Science Museum in London in 1862, it is THE FIRST KNOWN AUTOMATIC CALCULATOR AND IS ONE OF THE MOST CELEBRATED ICONS IN THE PREHISTORY OF COMPUTING (see Doron Swade, ODNB).