Charles BabbageCharles Babbage was an English genius who lived from December 26, 1791, to October 18, 1871. Babbage came up with the idea of a digital programmable computer. He was a scientist, philosopher, inventor, and mechanical engineer. Some people think of Babage as the "father of the computer." Babbage is credited with making the first mechanical computer, the Difference Engine, which eventually led to more complex electronic designs. However, all of the important ideas behind modern computers can be found in Babbage's Analytical Engine, which was programmed using a principle taken from the Jacquard loom. Babbage was interested in many things besides computers, which he wrote about in his book Economy of Manufactures and Machinery, which came out in 1832. People say that he is "pre-eminent" among the many polymaths of his century because of all the different things he has done.   Read More Read Less