Babbage's Difference Engine by The Science Museum

Designs »
Designers »
The Science Museum »
Babbage's Difference Engine

Add to drop box © The Science Museum 2007

British computing pioneer Charles Babbage (1791-1871) designed Difference Engine No 2 between 1847 and 1849, as part of his attempt to mechanise the production of mathematical tables. The calculating section of the Engine weighs 2.6 tonnes and consists of 4000 separate parts. Difference Engine No 2 was never constructed in Babbage's lifetime. Factors cited include his allegedly difficult personality, unconvincing progress, disputes with his engineer, Joseph Clement, political instability, the withdrawal of government funding, and limitations in Victorian machine tool technology. The Science Museum began construction of Difference Engine No 2 in 1985, and the calculating section was completed in 1991 for the bicentennial of Babbage's birth.

More images by The Science Museum

View all

48 hour Rush Printing

We offer super-fast printing and shipping options if you need your order asap!
Order for your business

MOO Business Services offers easy ordering for companies with 10+ employees
The MOO Promise

We’re only happy when you’re happy – our customer service team are always there to help

Terms & conditions Privacy policy © MOO Inc., 985 Waterman Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914, USA - Registered in the United States of America.

Your Dropbox (0)

Drag designs here, then choose a product
(You can remove designs when you start making stuff)

More images by The Science Museum

48 hour Rush Printing

Order for your business

The MOO Promise