Author profile

Charles Babbage

1791–1871 · England

An English mathematician, inventor and observer of industry who designed mechanical calculating engines and studied how machinery reorganized production.

Science & Technology Business & Economics

Life and context

A short timeline

1791
Born in England.
1832
On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures published.
Unknown year
Reflections on the Decline of Science in England, and on Some of Its Causes published.
1871
End of the author’s recorded life.

Recurring concerns

Themes and style

machinery
calculation
manufacturing
labour

Systematic technical description joined to economic reasoning and workshop observation.

Available here

Works by Charles Babbage

2 works in the Linden collection.

Business & Economics

On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures

Charles Babbage

Business & Economics · B2–C1 · 9 hr

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Science & Technology

Reflections on the Decline of Science in England, and on Some of Its Causes

Charles Babbage

Science & Technology · B2–C1 · 4 hr

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Author FAQ

Where should I start?

Which Charles Babbage book should I read first?

Explore On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures, then compare the lengths and subjects of the available works.

Is the author portrait historical?

This is a Linden original, historically informed editorial portrait—not an archival photograph. It is based on commonly documented appearance and period clothing; reuse status: Linden original artwork.