“The object of the present volume is to point out the effects and the advantages which arise from the use of tools and machines;—to endeavour to classify their modes of action;—and to trace both the causes and the consequences of applying machinery to supersede the skill and power of the human arm.”

— Charles Babbage, On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures

Preface
On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures, 1832/1841

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Charles Babbage40

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

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