“It is therefore not unreasonable to suppose that some portion of the neglect of science in England, may be attributed to the system of education we pursue. A young man passes from our public schools to the universities, ignorant of almost every branch of useful knowledge; and at these latter establishments … classical and mathematical pursuits are nearly the sole objects proposed to the student's ambition.”

— Charles Babbage

Source: Reflections on the Decline of Science in England, and on Some of its Causes (1830), p. 3

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Charles Babbage 40

mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical enginee… 1791–1871

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