Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Warpy

(111,254 posts)
6. I remember a mechanical calculator about half the size
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 03:46 PM
Oct 2012

of the boss's desk back in the early 60s that would multiply, divide and extract square roots. It was a horribly cumbersome thing, took muscle power to work and sounded like jackhammers on oil drums when you pulled it's handle to get a result.

I'm wondering if Babbage's computer is a similar thing, scaled up and with a steam engine assist.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Science»Could This Have Been The ...»Reply #6