Analytical Engine
A machine first proposed by
Charles Babbage in
1837 that is considered the concept for the first general mechanical
computer. The Analytical Engine contained an Arithmetic Logic
Unit (ALU), basic flow control, punch cards, and
integrated memory and is the first
general-purpose computer concept. Unfortunately, because of funding issues this
computer was also never built while Charles Babbage's was alive. However, in
1910 Henry Babbage, Charles Babbage's
youngest son was able to complete a portion of this machine and was able to
perform basic calculations. In the picture to the right, is a public domain
picture of the Analytical Engine.
While Charles Babbage was designing his Analytical Engine a similiar device was also being developed by Percy Ludgate, who's machine used multiplication instead of addition.
Also see: Computer History, Difference Engine