Babbage Calculating Machine Article 1833

[Brent Hilpert]

Brent Hilpert wrote:
> 
> I haven't had time to read the article, but given the year and application
> (log tables) it sounds like what the reporter saw was Babbage's difference
> engine rather than analytical engine. The d-e was a calculator of a form 
> and was completed (or largely so), but it was not programmable.  The a-e was
> Babbage's uncompleted machine that looks more computer-like in modern terms.
> The a-e (was going to) use punch cards, the d-e did not. A little googling
> should bring up a lot more info to elaborate between the two.

..Correcting myself for the sake of accuracy: A little refresher reading
indicates I overstated the state of completion of the difference engine.
It was not completed. If I have it right this time, a functional portion of
it was and this is presumably what the reporter saw.