Charles Babbage (1791-1871)
Charles Babbage was a mathematician who tried to invent a programmable mechanical calculator. He first invented the Difference Engine, a small calculator that used number differences to aid in complex calculations using the Method of Differences. He tried but was never able to refine the Difference Engine into what he called the Analytical Engine. Babbage is known to some as the "Father of Computing" for his contributions to basic computer design set out in the Analytical Engine. For indepth biographical information on Babbage go to--