Royal Society
Herschel Collection
The Transcriptions of a Selection of Manuscripts relating to the
History of the Development of Charles Babbage's Difference Engine
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.169
Babbage to Herschel
4 o'clock Dec 20 [1821 by postmark]
Dear Herschel
Does the R.S, meet tonight. I think not and unless there should be something of extraordinary interest I should not go.
Can you come to me in the evening as early as you like[?] I want to explain my Arithmetical engine and to open you to sundry last schemes which promise to reach the third and fourth generations, You have witnessed the wave-like succession of my plans and I can laugh with you at the rapidity and evanescence of the past, but there are reasons which incline me to reject the strong probability of failure derived from experience and I am confident that when you hear then you will allow their weight. Do let me see you for I cannot rest untill I have have communicated to you a word of new thought.
Most Truly Yours
Babbage
Monday
Mrs B is better
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.171
Babbage to Herschel
April 9th 1822
Dear Herschel
I was much more glad to find from your letter that your interest in the success of the machine has rekindled than I was sorry at the news you sent me. It is scarce probable that another person should have contrived the same means for the same purpose nor is it probable that anyone should have copied from mine, however when they both appear if such a thing has taken place I think it will not be very difficult to find it out. If any one has found out other principles of applying machinery to arithmetic and has produced such results as my engines will procure he deserves to be amply rewarded and I wish him success and what is much more to the purpose if he has contrived such and if they put the type together and if he is a frenchman I am quite sure he will be well rewarded. Supposing the worst for me this is a case of two independent inventors and each must be content with that portion of fame due to the engines he produces. It will be quite otherwise with any future contrivers however ingenious; the egg has once stood upright and my future imitators may if they choose set it erect by breaking a different end. As for the fame to be derived from the contrivance of an engine to make tables by differences and even to [del: print] produce them ready printed I think it will be much greater then it deserves and I care little about it. The same cause (namely want of sufficient information on the subject) which will overrate its difficulty in the opinion of the multitude will in our scientific world underrate the value of those other machines I have contrived for reducing different parts of mathematics to the dominion of gravity: every moment I devote to this enquiry convinces me that although at present they are few and in an infant state yet that there is a vast field of discovery open and that the reputation to be derived from these ought deservedly to be greater and more permanent.
I have given up a profitable situation in life that I might devote myself to abstract speculation for this the world if they knew it would call me a fool. I have met with such little success in my attempts to render this task even moderately profitable that I shall scarcely be induced to repeat them. But having by good luck hit upon a plan which is actually useful in itself I think it quite fair to claim from this cui bono aqe that reward which they ought to there own principles to bestow. This I will endeavor to procure as far as I reasonably can particularly as it is not very probable I shall ever have another opportunity. To return to you your information whence came it? I cannot well write to Paris to enquire into its truth but I wish you would consider a little whether you could not. It must be so done as not to give any color to any romance which might hereafter be invented of my fishing their inventions all I want to know is what the machine does; whether it goes by jack-up or requi[res] superintendance whether it gives written numbers or requires some mode of counting at [word unreadable: th...zs] like the chinese thing. All this if it has been publicly reported at the institute can be fairly asked but I would not yet mention my own.
The printing part in its new form gets on and I have no doubt about it suceeding[;] it is much simpler than the first contrivance and in some experiment I made at home promised very well. I have a machine for the roots of equations possible and I will almost venture to say impossible but it is not yet perfect and on this 1 want to talk with you.
Another idea concerning a table of sines to make by once setting an engine is not quite ripe but you shall have the embrio[;] you know that
D2 Sin h = - (2 (Sin h/2)2 Sin(h + h)
Suppose for a moment that in the difference of any two arcs in the table is such that
(2.sin h/2)2 = .0001
then it would be way to make a machine in which the second difference should be may by transferring the preceding tabular number cutting off the four figures at the end and such as one would make without interruption a table of sin h sin 2h etc. (sin T/2 ?)
Kater was much pleased with his visit.
Very sincerely Yours
CB
[Editor's note: CB has made an error in the above equation, but the principle of the idea is correct. The correct equation should read:
D2 Sin h = - (2 (Sin h/2)2 Sin(h + h)
for any interval of h.
The angles in this instance for the algorithm to work need to be measured in Radians.]
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.173
Extract of letter from Babbage to Herschel
n,d, [Postmarked 7th; marked 'Recd June 12 1822']
My dear Herschel
... I had some intention of paying you a short visit as I mentioned to your mother when she was last in London but as I cannot execute my principal object I shall postpone it for the present. I had intended to take my engine to Slough in order to show it to your father but owing to the malconstruction of many of its principal parts I see that it would be impossible to reconstruct from its separated parts the working machine without a great expense of time and a mechanical skill I do not myself possess,
It is as far as calculating goes finished and several people have seen it work. yesterday morning Dr Wallaston spent some time in examining and in working it; it made no mistake and "did as It was bid"[;] the sum total of his remarks were thus expressed "All this is very pretty but I do not see how it can be rendered productive." I confess with such encouragement as I have received I begin to have considerable misgivings about its productiveness: and as revolutions are now so common it is not impossible that in a few years I may be suprised at my present blindness in not seeing a thing apparent to the learned and the unlearned -the uselessness of all such machinery. ...
Royal Society Rerschel Collection 2.175
Herschel to Babbage
Addressed from No.9 Downing Street to CB at No.3 The Den, Teignmouth
31st July 1822
Dear Babbage,
M, Le Gros came to me this morning wishing to have my opinion on the propriety of executing in Gun-metal rather than in Cast Iron, two cross pieces aa,bb destined to receive a brass Arbor in a machine for cutting wheels, of which he is making a model for you. His reasons are let that he is unprovided with the proper tools chisels etc. for cutting Cast Iron & he and his workmen are not used to it[;] it would therefore take him more time a great deal than Gun Metal, 2ndly the chance of finding the iron unsound & 3rdly that if so the whole expense of time & work would be incurred again \ he says even in his own affair he would choose Gun Metal. I told him, that if he with the authority have given him had other samples to use his judgement. I could not rely on mine but would write to you so now the case is before you.
I found your letter to Sir H. Davy on my table 3 days ago. I question whether the mention of those Engines of which you have only sketches & general conceptions, especially those destined to the Solution of Equations of differences and those which work series reducible to no law but that which the mechanism itself determines, will tend so much to advance your speculations in the eye of the world as the more tangible and practical results to which you have already come. But as I know you think me a thingy fellow, this is only by the bye. ...
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.176
Extract of a letter from Babbage to Herschel
n.d.[3rd August 1822]
My dear Herschel,
Your letter reached me this day (3rd August). I hope the answer will find you before you commit yourself to the waves.
Will you inform Legros that he may manufacture the cross pieces in gun-metal and if he should again apply to you I would rather trust to your opinion than my own as you have the advantage of seeing what has been done.
I rather agree with you about the Letter to Sir H. Davy but I wrote it at his suggestion. If you wish for other copies of it the publisher will on application send you as many as you like. I begin to be sick of the machine and have just got a chemical scheme into my head which I an very desirous of trying; ...
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.179
Extract of a letter from Herschel to Babbage
Wednesday 16th October 1822
... I have sent your letter to Sir H. Davy to Professor Van Swindon of Amsterdam the projector of the French Metrical System, to Professor Moll of Utrecht and to Gauss & shall shortly make up despatches for them other foreign parts [unreadable words: in which it shall be England?] With best respects to Mr Babbage's Friend ...
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.183
Extract of a letter from Herschel to Babbage
4th March 1823, St John's College, Cambridge
... Davy called on me on Wednesday. I met him returning & walked with him to Grosvenor Street. He talked of a strong wish on his part to see your Engine taken up by the board of Longitude. I told him I did not conceive there could be a more proper object for the board to keep in view, but that I was sure you would dislike extremely the idea of any application without some previous pretty strong certainity of its proving successful. He assured me he meant to endeavour to obtain such certainity. …
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.184
Babbage to Herschel
27th June 1823, Devonshire Street
Dear Herschel,
I had some conversations this morning with the Chancellor of the Exr, who treated me in a most liberal and gentlemanlike manner. He seems quite convinced of the utility of the machine and that it ought to be encouraged. At present he is to procure for me from the Civil Contingencies £1500 and next session if I want more to complete It he is willing that more should be granted or that I should have a committee of the House if a larger sum were wanted than that fund could be charged with.
He acquired the knowledge of the Astronomical Medal two days since from Gilbert so that you got it for me just at the fortunate monent. Mr Brougham had given him very Just views on the subject of the machine and the manner in which he spoke of it was more gratifying than the grant itself[;] as I have liberal people to deal with I shall not be annoyed about pence and the particular mode in which I may think it right to distribute then and I shall I hope be able to bring the thing to perfection or at least to a good practicable working state and that in a few years we shall have new (but not patent) stereotype logarithmic tables as cheap as potatoes. Mr Ryan expects you on Monday night when I hope to tell you more of my interview with the nation's purse-bearer.
It was quite delightful to see Gilbert's joy when I told him of my success[;] he proposed that we should have a frolic in consequence of the good news which is to consist in an excursion to see the great telescope.
Give our kind regards to your Mother and believe me dear Herschel
most sincerely yours
C. Babbage
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.185
Babbage to Herschel
4pm Wednesday, 2nd July 1823
Dear Herschel,
1 have sent you a paper drawn up by Mr Gilbert and the people at the Treasury which he has signed and which Wollaston will sign tomorrow[;] it is to be the foundation of a grant of £1500 to pay for the past and carry on the future expense of the Machine. I should tell you that while I am now writing I have not seen the paper as it is to reach Devonshire St. at 6 this Eve and I shall then be too much engaged to do any thing else than enclose it and send it onto you by one of my men who is to return immediately, If there is anything in it which you object to do not scruple not to sign for I would hold it to be very unfair not to give an opportunity of escape when a question is asked. Wollaston doubted at first not from the matter which I Save him as I had it from Gilbert but because he is no official person as he expressed it[;] however he himself proposed an answer to the objection which he said he would otherwise have waved had any thing essential depended on it. Now you are official belonging to the Board of Longitude. I begin to be tired to death of this business and heartily wish myself out of town. If Gilbert and myself can contrive it after this affair is settled we will pay you a visit. With our kindest regards to Lady Herschel
believe me
very sincerely yours
C. Babbage
I was recognised at the Treasury this morning by a Mr Vincent as having been met by him when we were at Interlaken.
PS I have just received the paper and as the thing will not come before the H of C untill next session the Chancellor of the Ex will give the £1500 from some fund at their disposal. Will you send it back by return of post. Thursday,
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.186
Herschel to Babbage
5th July 1823, Slough
Dear Babbage,
I enclose the paper, which I have not the least hesitation in signing, as however strongly it is worded, (I mean when the Degree of perfection to which the Engine may be brought is spoken of) you have done so much that I can easily believe you have it in your power to go as far as is said and I have no scruple to declare the faith that is in me to all the world.
Sir S. Young manifested a great wish to see the Engine & I gave him your address for that purpose. He had been [word unreadable: busying?] himself in spreading a knowledge of it from the account I put into him, among his parliamentary friends, and according to his own statement had convinced so far 14 or 15 of its ability as to induce them to promise to vote for it if it came before the House.
Can you send me 3 or 4 more copies of your letter to Davy as I have exhausted my stock.
Yours Truly
JFV Herschel
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.187
Bobbage to Herschel
Wednesday 9th July 1823
Dear Herschel,
I gave Gilbert the paper which has I suppose been given in to the Treasury. I agree with you that a little less anticipation would have been better. He called yesterday and said that it would not be in his power to join me in a visit to Slough this summer but hoped in the winter to pay you a visit.
This being the case I will also pospone mine particulary as I must be in town to receive the money when they choose to pay it.
I have just seen Gilbert [;] again he has not yet given the letter to the Secry of the Treasury but has procured the signatures of W. Smith and Broughan and sends it in tomorrow.
Believe me in great thanks
Sincerely Yours
C. Babbage
Wednesday
9 July 1823
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.188
Extract of a letter from Babbage to Herschel
18th July 1823
… My plans for the summer are in a state of perfect uncertainty. If I had known that the money from the Treasury would not have been paid yet I should have gone into Devonshire for about a fortnight. When that event will take place I know not but expect in about a week. Mrs Babbage had proposed accompanying me to Scotland but I fear this must be put off from the want of time. ...
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.189
Extract of a letter from JFW Herschel to Babbage
29th July[? Misfiled June?] 1823, Slough
Dear Babbage,
I am truly glad to hear that the Ch Exch has had the grace to act in such a respectable way and I an not less pleased to find that the openly expressed opinion of scientific bodies is so far regarded by the powers that be as one of the Elements of which public opinion is made up as to be respected by them. it was a fortunate thought of Bromhead that the Astronomical might acquire to themselves praise and glory by medallizing your invention. ...
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.198
Extract of a letter from Babbage to Herschel at Hanover
14th September 1824
... The machine proceeds slowly but steadily.
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.199
Extract of a letter from Herschel toBabbage
3rd October 1824, Hanover.
... I am glad to hear the Engine proceeds. Everybody enquires about that and Perkins's steam artillery. ...
Royal Society Herschel Collectim 2.200
Extract of a letter from Babbage to Herschel at Calais
10th October 1824, Devonshire Street
... The Machine goes on slowly but will be excellent when made[;] that is perhaps a year hence. ...
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.205
Extract of a letter from Babbage to Herschel
Friday 24th November 1826
... Dr Wordsworth wishes me to be in Cambridge on the day of the election [for a new Lucasian professor]. He also wants to know how long shall I reside.
To this latter question I have answered that I will give lectures, and that I am occupied in making a machine which ought certainly not to disqualify me for that chair -and also that as this is doing at the desire of Government there would be an impropriety in my giving any pledge about residence as it might impede the public service.
I have met with a very intelligent clock-maker who not only understood the mechanical notation but suggested an improvement. It does not appear so difficult to be understood by makers of machinery as I had expected and I think it likely to get into general use in the description of complicated machinery. …
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.218
22 Dec 1827, Observatory [Campden Hill, Kensington?]
Extract of letter from Herschel to Babbage
Addressed: Poste Restante Rome, Italy.
Dear babbage
By your letter from Aix I am glad to find that you are active in the business of a traveller. You complain of not working but whet you write shows the contrary. I do not write to Munich finding you get on faster than I supposed you would but to Rome, as I doubt you making any stay at Florence.
Josh Isaac called on me yesterday. Both your children in Boughton are quite well -as are also G and H. Your mother is really very well and more tranquilled in spirit then when you left us by 100 per cent. Moreover I have the satisfaction to add that Clement has nothing at all the matter and only that his niece is ill, his house would he free o.f sickness. 1 went over to him to see how he gets on, at the early part of the week. He has been making a new drawing to shew the effect of certain alterations he recommends (which I shall explain presently) I am so new to the scale of daily weekly and monthly progress that such work ought to make, that I will confess to you it seemed to me not to have got on too much since you left. But you who have had I suppose the experience of extreme slowness of progress impressed strongly, would perhaps have been more satisfied than I wes when C. told me he must have 150£ which he (after much hesitation and what at first I took for reluctance, but which I fancy to be the mere consequence of his singular slowness of thought) put into writing in the following form which is a curiosity at least as great as the Engine will be when done.
"This is to certify that eight men have been employed on Mr. Babbage's calculating machine this five week's past. I have likewise got a man to assist me in the drawing Joseph Clement December 5th 1827 I want £150 to enable me to go on."
In future I shall get him to make me a monthly report in his own technical language which will put you much more au fait to what is doing than I can hope to do.
This is the first & great alteration he proposes. In plan of making the calculating wheels BC revolve immediately on the Calculating axes AB he proposes to interpose between the axes and the Bushes? of the wheels DE thin cylindrical shields fixed to the platforms KL of the frame scaffolding through which the Axes pass. The effect of this he says will be to prevent the wear of the inner surface of the Bushes of all that motion of the axes which takes place while the wheels ore locked, and he says he has made a drawing.
2ndly He proposes to throw aside a certain complex mechanism for throwing the calculating axes in and out of gear contraryways alternately by [long arms?] of eccentric rollers carried on wheels revolving on axes parallel to the calculating axes. He says since you have resolved on not having the motion of these axes reversed when you subtract, but to keep each axis always working one way -it will be simplest and best to propagate the motion signs through from one to another thus
by wheels (spur wheels he calls them) one at the bottom of each axis and which shall be locked onto the axis when the axis is so turning but hang round it loose when it is to rest. The locking is to be performed by a bar
of this shape (a thing C seems very fond of) the fork.of which embraces the Calculating Axis and presses up and down a cylindric piece of metal carrying two pins which pass into holes in a piece connected with the spur wheel, and which thiss figure is not in the least resembling.
He explained to me and made me understand that the pins would always be exactly opposite the holes at the instant they were to be pushed in, and that at the moment the pins of one calculating axis were entering and half in those of the other would be withdrawing and half out so us to leave no moment in which slip or shake could occur. The end B of the lever carries a roller B, which is kept by a spring in contact with the under surface of a wheel in 2 planes which he calls a "side excentric" whose section is thus
and which is fixed on the bolting axis belonging to the calculating axis and which keeps down the lever during one half the revolt- of the bolting axis and up the other, so as to make the calculating axis rest one half and move the other. I have explained this very ill but understood it. at the time end it seemed to me uniformly simpler than the old contrivance, about the action of which latter Clement said he had considerable doubts. He has done the drawings of this contrivance, and is going to try it on a small scale and on his preparation for this trial his men have been employed I understood from since you left. About this and about the shields for the wheel-bushes he wants your opinion.
Another thing he has made drawings of is a plan for fixing the axes firm in their places till the wheels come into their proper places to be bolted. This he says was to have been done by rollers but he prefers a more decisive species of detent
thus to be driven up into notches by springs and which are to be (like the former contrivance) to be at one end of a lever, the other being commanded by the teeth of a ratchet wheel fixed on the bolting axis thus
B is the spring forcing the detent in. A is spring playing in a plane perpendicular to the paper, carrying a stud, its office to hold the detent back when it ought not to go in. The Ratchet wheel occupies only half a circumference and then on alternate bolting axes and alternately through half revolutions.
On reading this description I see that it is unintelligible and what is worse that I can't mend it. I had it all there before my mind when I left Clement, and last night when he called here I rehearsed it to him, and now I am puzzled, but you will see the principles from this, at all events it is very little work, as only one will be required for each axis.
Write to me as soon as you see this. Tell me what points to attend with C. I shall write again to Naples.
…
[signed] JFW Herschel
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.219
12th February 1828
Herschel to Babbage
Dear Babbage
I know not whether this will reach you or not as the notices of your course which have reached us have not been very frequent or distinct - however I shall address this to Rome where I presume you will touch on your return from Naples. I am very glad to tell you that all your family by the last account I heard were well. Your mother is still in Devonshire but is expected home daily in Town. Clement I am glad to report [del: goes on] is in very good health. He tells me he keeps 10 men constantly at work on the Engine. I saw 7 there in the workshop and one man working on the drawings when I last called. He seems to have been chiefly at work on the drawings -the following is a list of the Drawings executed since I last wrote.
No. 1 -2 feet by 3 - Six figures
Fig 1 is a new plan for the gradual communication of motion from the first mover to the horizontal Calculating axis so as toaccelerate it gradually. The novelty consists in the substitution of a series of steps instead of a single strait arm thus
Fig.2 is a plan of the wheel which communicates motion from the horizontal bolting axis to the drop-pin axis in the part of the machine which intervenes between the Calculating and the printing processes. (8 inches by 6)
Fig 3 No. 1 18in by 8 is a plan of the plumbing blocks and a bevel wheel which receives its motion from the sine qua non wheel axis. There is not much done of this figure.
Fig 4 No. 1 a plan of the 24 wheel 8in x 8 or blue wheel -in part a new scheme of Clements who says you left it to him to plan as well us he could. Its object is to accomplish the printing of any No. of figures from 6 to 12. He proposes to divide the small teeth over 3 distinct wheels in contact on one axis in sectors of 6/24, 3/24, 2/24 & their opposites in different planes & at different parts of the circumference, and make one long pinion on the prime-mover axis work into all of them where there are teeth to work. Thus
Fig 5 No. 1 is a plan of the pinion and a section of the wheels.
Fig 6 No. 1 4in by 3 is a plan of the bevil wheel which gives motion to lever by which the drop-pin axis recieves the pumping motion.
No. 2 -2 feet by 3 -about half full of figures
Fig[s] 1.2.3 Plan and Section of 3 wheels on the horizontal calculating axis which transfer the calculated results from the calculating part to the ratchet-wheel, the long pinion that.moves the rack by means of studs.
Fig[s] 4.5.6 -Plan and Section of three corresponding wheels &c. on the short axis for the purpose of changing the velocity without altering the speed. Also the plumbing blocks that support the short axis.
No. 3 A new drawing 3 feet by 6 a general plan of the whole engine with a view to the Framing. this drawing replaces an old one of the same size sketched in in pencil- The projection of the calculating and bolting axes are sketched in- The snail wheel in projection, the sine qua non wheel- the bevil wheel for do seen edgewise- The type sector and its axis- The Drop pin axis are done. 4 large pillars to support the calculating part- the Excentric axis to raise the Type sector, and horizontal plans of the wheels represented in the drawing no. 2- The frame for the copper-plates- the 24 wheel and its appendages and the long pinion are all the parts at present done.
No. 4 An old drawing 4 feet by 2 with much new work done on it, Viz: plans and elevations of the System of Calculating and bolting axes, and the manner of holding the alternate ones locked on the new scheme described in my last where the inclined plane principle is used to hold the wheels fast jammed thus in their proper places.
No. 5 -New drawing 2 feet by 3, half-full- a working drawing detailing the parts of No. 4.
On the Great Drawing containing a vertical of the whole on the large drawing board, all the bottoms of the axes are drawn in. So much for the drawings.
With regard to the work, I confess I see very little progress. They are now at work on a long screw 6 or 7 feet long which is to make part of the long lathe for turning the steel axes, to carry the tool, and Clement has been occupied also in making parts of the framework and carrying part &c. to try his plan of making the axes work in sheaths thus
The cylinder to form the Screw is roughed out and partly turned down.
Upon the strength of this work done & in progress he has drawn upon me for £200 more making in all £350 since you left England. Verily it makes not much show, but I am a sad novice in matters of workmanship and I suppose the secret is that good work. is not cheap.
He wishes to know "is it necessary to have the figure.wheel on the snail axis turn both ways round, as we have given up the plan of making true to the lest figure", and as Mr Clement thinks "a saving of velocity might be obtained by adopting the arrangements of the other axes."
…
Gilbert has found out that the first error in your list of Errors in the Tables examined by you -Exists in your own tables. I have not yet examined it not having my books by me nor is it of any moment other than as an odd coincidence if true. ...
Yours very truly
JFW Herschel
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.224
Sent: 2nd April 1828, Rome. Arrived: 17th April 1828.
Extract of a letter from Babbage to Herschel
... I have not yet answered your letter about another plague which I consigned to your care and which will have given you much trouble -I mean the machine. The plan for communicating the motion by degrees from the prime mover by means of steps instead of by a long arm may do but Clement must remember that the time be carefully attended to. I think the time of rest is 1/8 revn {he has probably made this change to avoid interfering with some axis}. The other plan for printing a given number of figures by means of 3 Sector whs is in principle the same as that which I left him and will do; he has probably develloped it a little. The drawings appear to advance but he seems still making tools. I have not thought about the machine except some one has enquired and [del: I] whenever I have thought about it, it has been to wish I had never undertaken it. Now however a new and most unexpected difficulty has arisen in finding Lord Goderich ceased to be at the head of government. I wrote to WW Whitmore to get some communication from Lord Goderich to his successors. It seems (I hope it arises from very imperfect instructions to my brother-in-law) that Lord G. contends that there never was any understanding that I should have more money. Now if after the interview I had with Lord Goderich some years since, he could have had any such understanding or indeed any the remotest understanding that I was to be out-of-pocket by carrying on, then will I utterly give up the little faith that I have in public men and in future be as cautious in my [del: contracts] dealings with them as I am with an Italian Inn-keeper. I have not yet answered W.W.W.'s letter. This fact has not vexed me as it might have done. The result will be that I shall finish the machine and be more than half-ruined by it. But I can scarcely bring myself to believe that Lord Goderich will not recall to his memory the bearing of that conversation. If he do not I will repay the money the government advanced. However I must think of these things when I return. Vesuvius has been giving indications of an eruption. ...
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.225
10th to 17th April 1828, Slough.
Extract of a letter from Herschel to Babbagp
... Clement has drawn on me for £200:0:0 more making in all 550 since you left. It may be that 550£ worth of work is done, but I confess it makes marvellous little show for the money. However the last visit I paid him, there certainly was show of greater activity, and some progress, not merely on paper, was visible. I shall state the situation in which I found matters, but I really wish very much to hear from you in answer to this and to my letters No 1 & 2 to Rome and Florence that I may know whether the progress made is such as you expect. Clement assures me that he keeps 10 men constantly at work and that he is getting on much faster at present than at any time during your presence.
In the Drawings and contriving part
1. In the large new Drawing of the general plan about 4 feet by 1½ is filled with new matter. Clement has thrown overboard the spring box which was applied on the Axle of the Screw carrying the Copper-plate the use of which was to throw out of gear so as to allow the plate to be drawn back at the end of each line. This he has done in order to prevent an inconvenience arising from a contradiction in the motions given it by the screw regulating the length of the lines from which it derived its motion one way, and by the ratchet wheel of the Copper plate from which it derived it the other way, and has substituted another scheme for it which is laid down in this drawing. It also contains a plan of some of the
punching part.
Another New Drawing 2 feet by 3 is filled with details an working drawing. It contains plan, elevation and end view of the manner of making the "spiral axis" apparatus pump by means of an excentric, so as to move the "drop-pin" apparatus. In the large new Elevation drawing on the Great Board is inserted all the elevation of the work of which the plan is the last mentioned drawing.
There is Another New Drawing 2 feet by 3, full of details of various parts of the printing part: the decimal point wheel, the lever for spaces between lines, the lever for throwing the click of the ratchet wheel for the Screw in an out of Gear -The Sine qua non wheel.
Another new drawing 2 feet by 3 is one third full of the Stud wheel which moves the decimal point Screw.
A few parts in detail are drawn in on some of the other drawings.
All the contrivances are contrived only in the punching part the arrangement and mode of supporting the parts ore not quite fixed on, and the general framing is still a desiderandum.
In the work shop -patterns are making for a good number of wheels but the preparation of tools is still the main business. The long screws for the new lathe for turning the Steel axes is finished and a beautiful piece of work it is. The Topped part is 9 feet and an inch in length and the Steel is without a fault from one end to the other. Clement says it is perfect. A very new contrivance is the Screw box which it carries pinching it equally on both sides by two right and left handed screws whose heads carry wheels that work into each other.
French steel for the axes has been laid in &c. and on the whole there are greater symptoms of activity in the working department than when I last wrote.
Still I shall be glad to hear further, especially since yours of the 2d which I have this moment got (Apl 17th) and which, from what you say respecting Lord Goderich's denial of his interview to procure further aids from the present Government, makes it necessary to ask -Shall the present rate of expenditure (£130 per month) continue? or shall I give directions to proceed slower? so as to distribute the expense over more time. Clement's health seems now fully re-established and to judge from his looks and what he says of himself there seems to be no fear for his life, and if you are to pay for all from your private resources it may be an object to do it with income rather than with Capital. On the otherhand time is the stuff that life is made of.
...
Royal Society Herschel Collection 2.226
9th May 1828, Naples Santa Lucia opposite Vesuvius gently smoking Extract of a letter from Babbage to Herschel
[The original is in very poor condition, with parts somewhat illegible]
Dear Herschel,
I have just received yours of the 10-17 April. The accounts, you give of the progress of the machine are by no means discouraging. As to the work done on the drawings it is a species of work which makes but little show. As to the actual steel and brass cut up for my use I fear it is little and that Clement is spending much time in making tools. Now this is to a certain extent necessary [del: but] and requires considerable supplies of money but I should wish you incidentally if possible to find out whether it is not Clement's intention to make me pay for the construction of these tools and then to keep them as his own property -from the multitude he is making it looks so. On reflecting upon my first interview with Lord Goderich I cannot believe he will not represent to the present government that it was distinctly understood thet I was not to be a loser by this machine. I trusted to his being an exception and thought him a sincerely honest man. Perhaps I was a fool for [promising?] and I will profit by my experience which in this instance will be rather costly.
On the whole I must look at my present position and [what is] to be done I will give you my own view and rely upon [you] to undertake the troublesome part a little [further?]
1st I most heartily wish I had never thought of the infernal machine.
2nd I must finish it at any expense and as I am in an isolated way I feel little uneasiness at the prospect of sacrificing a large portion of my fortune.
3 Of the machine itself I think the drawings advance more rapidly then they did before, and the work on the whole does make considerable progress, more indeed in your hands then it did in mine. the money expended is large with regard to the labor part but this I cannot help and as I must complete it I would not have its progress checked on any account indeed if any sacrifice could terminate it instantly I would gladly make it. It is the wear and tear of moderate annoyances that I most dread. It would be impossible to pay for it out of my own income I have therefore decided upon consuming capital and have made arrangements at Messrs Praeds so that you may continue to draw for money. This has all along been the case I thought I was advancing instead of consumming capital.
I left Clement so well acquainted with all the mechanical actions of the machine that I have not the least fear of his making such changes us he may think necessary. The change in the spring attached to the Screw carrying the copper plate I do not understand but have no fear of its being rightly rejected.
The change in the gradual form of motion to the horl calc axis I have already said will do. The plans of the sectors 6/24, 3/24, 2/24 is the development of a scheme I left and will do.
The change proposed for the Calc. Whs by making them revolve, on a sheath is not amiss but the hanging wh. which is attached to them will also [words missing] the same.
The change which I most doubt is that of rejecting the mode of communication from the horl colc. axis to the vert. calc by [unreadable word b ---- ?] and [mediating?] spur whs. My reason is that by the latter means motion [must be com]municated to the snail axis through six intermediate wheels instead of two which [is bad?] in principle and requires excellent work, for a small shake in each when raised to the sixth power -also the bevel wheels are made- also in both cases there must be locking levers. I will not say reject this, but let Clement have your assistance in deciding the point. I might be convinced if will you but cannot at this distance. May not the old bevel wheels be retained and the plan of putting them out of gear with the Calc axes be changed for the new one which you have described so well that I think I perfectly understand it. This would do away with an axis below the hor calc axis and would remove Clement's objection and save my general principle "not without necessity to trust to excellence of work". I dread the multiplication of shake. The plan for locking the axes in their places until the wheels are ready to be bolted seems to me better than rollers which latter I never intended end know not how they got into the drawings. I think it possible I may be in England about the end of Novber but have decided nothing. ...
v
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 54
Heads of a Plan for raising money to go on with Babbage's Calculating Engine by JFW Herschel, n.d. but ca 1829
1, Suppose we set down 10000 as the total cost
3000 -received & expended from Government
3000 -offered - Let the offer be accepted
----
6000
----
Remain 4000 to be raised by Subscription.
2. Suppose we divide the Subscribers into classes by way of seeing what strength we can muster
Class 1. B's most intimate friends and connexions who are warm in the cause and can at the same time afford to subscribe liberally. Zeal x Means = [del: 4] 8
Class 2. Zeal x Means = [del:3] 4
Class 3. Zeal x Means = 2
Class 4. Zeal x Means = 1
put nl n2 n3 n4 for the numbers of the individuals who it is presumed may be mustered in their respective classes
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 43
Clement to Herschel
5th December 1827
This is to certify that eight men has been employed of Mr Babbages Calculating Machine this five weeks past. I have likwise got a man to assist me in the drawing.
Joseph Clement
December 5th 1827
I want £150 to enable me to go on.
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 44
Clement to Herschel
1st February 1828
Mr Herschel
Feby 1st 1828
Sir
I am in want of £200 to enable me to proceed with Mr Babbages Calculating Machine
Joseph Clement
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 45
Clement to Herschel
27th March 1828
Mr Hershel
Sir,
I am in want of Two-hundred Pounds on Mr Babbage's account to enable me to proceed with his Calculating Machine
I am sir
with Respect
Joseph Clement
21 Prospect Place
Southwark
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 46
Clement to Herschel
10th June 1828
[Note in Herschel's handwriting: Memorandum June 12 1828 Gave Clement an order on Praed for £250]
21 Prospect Place Southwark
June 10th 1828
Mr Herschel
Sir,
Your letter of the 31st I duly received and fully expected to have seen you the last week, respecting Mr Babbage's letter &c. The reason of my writing you at present is that I am completely out of money. Should you be prevented from coming here this weak, I beg you have the goodness to forward me an order to draw on Mr Babbages account the sum of £250--- to enable me to proceed with his Calculating machine. I am Sir
Your Obt. Sert
[To] J F Herschel Esqr
Slough
If not there forward the same
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 47
Clement to Herschel
21st July 1828
Mr Clement wishes to see Mr Herschel in the course of the week respecting Mr Babbage's Machine. I shal also want an order for £300-- on Mr Babbages account to enable me to proceed with his Calculating Machine.
If Mr Herschel is not yet provided with a Turning Lathe Mr Clement has Bought one which he thinks will answer Mr Herschels purpose.
21 Prospect Place
Southwark
21 July 1828
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 48
Herschel to Clement
24th July 1828
[to] Mr Clement (copy) with an order for 180£ dated London July 24 1828
July 24 1828
Sir,
I recd yours of the 21st on my return to Slough after a short absence and in the course of the week hope to be able to see you, With respect to the money 300£ you require, I transmit a draft for [del: 150] 180£ which is the outside of what I consider myself authorised to do by Mr Babbage's instructions [del: which were on this point decidedly distinct]. Having no longer ago than the 12th June given an order for 250 making in all paid to you up to that date since Mr Babbages departure £800, being at the average rate of about [del: 100] 120£ per month, which certainly appears to me a large sum for the work done, That however may be, and probably is, owing to my inexperience in the detail of work of that description, and I am very far from intending that I consider it as beyond its f irst value. I mean only that [del: in such) under the circumstances I am no way desirous of taking on myself the responsibility of making [del: larger disbursements than] materially beyond my instructions [del:
authorise, till Mr Bs return which from a letter of his am [del: glad to ... ] so very much less power of in pushing forward a work which at best I least [del: very] imperfectly understand, and should be very sorry to find on Mr B's return that there are unless in the event of some emergency arising ...I were I more perfectly acquainted with the complicated mechanism of the engine, I should feel no scruple in pushing forward the work with its utmost speed, but though I have studied it much, I find it impossible to master all its details, so as to feel full confidence in the absence of the inventor that nothing we do shall require alteration, and as he will now (as I expect from his last letter) not be more than four months longer absent, I should recommend that you would endeavour during the remainder of that time to [del: guard] keep [del: as near] within the average of expenditure [del: I have] above mentioned [del: as conveniently may be].
I remain Sir
Your obedt. Servt
JFW Herschel
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 49
Notes made by Herschel on expenditure
Drafts drawn on Messrs Praed & Co payable to Clement or Bearer an account of Babbage
-------
Dec: 5 1827 150:0:0
Feb 1 1828 200:0:0
March 27 1828 200:0.0
June 12 1828 250:0:0
July 24 1828 180:0:0
Oct 27 1828 250:0:0
Total 1230:0:0
Recieved of Mr Herschel at various dates [del: undermentioned] as enclosed hereon Drafts on Messrs- Praed and Cc. to the amount of [del: 1230.0:0] one thousand two hundred & thirty pounds on account of Mr Babbage for work done on his Calculating Engine.
£1230:0:0
[del: Dec 5 182-]
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 50
Notes made by Herschel September 1842
Substance of a note from the Chancellor of Exchequer to G.B.Airy Sep 15 1842
Private & Confidential
Mr Goulburn writes to Airy about Babbages Calculg Machine progress of wh has been lately interrupted by witholding funds.
16000 £ (about) expended
16000 more (not less than) stated by B to be reqd for its completion.
G's own opinion is adverse to any further public expenditure because he cannot expect benefit to balance 30 or 40000 £
\he feels inclined to give up the work as it stands to B, and let him deal with it as best he may.
G understands that it was originally undertaken at my suggestion ,. wants to know my opinion as to probable utility of continuing to expend on it &c. Sums necessary to its perfection.
If H should think with G that the machine is worthy of one to illustrate the inventive and mechanical powers of B then G would act an his own judgement without committing H. to his decision.
But if [del: not] H should think it likely to be a public benefit he would then proceed to examine more minutely the expence necessary to be incurred & reconsider his present opinion.
G. also wishes for A's opinion.
=======
This summary is to be regarded as private and not be referred to in any paper hereafter written on the subject. I keep it only as a memorandum.
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 51
September 1842
Draft of a letter from JFW Herschel to H. Goulburn, Chancellor of the Exchequer re Babbage's Difference Engine
Sir,
The Astronomer Royal [GB Airy] has communicated to me your desire to know my opinion as to the probable utility of continuing to expend upon Mr Babbage's calculating machine the sums necessary for its perfection; informing me at the same time as [del: the] a ground for the formation of such opinion that a Sum of about 16000£ has been already expended on it and that you understand from Mr Babbage that a sum not less than that will be necessary for its completion. He further states [del: as a reason for your wishing to ascertain my present views on the subject] that you understand me to have been consulted in an early stage of the business and [del: would] are therefore unwilling to proceed without endeavouring to ascertain my present views.
In reference to this latter point it is proper for me to observe that I was never individually consulted by Government on the subject in any stage of the business or called on to express an opinion on it otherwise than as a member of the Council of the Royal Society and of its Committees to whom its consideration was referred [Insert: under then circumstances and as a private friend of Mr Babbage it must be supposed that I feel the utmost delicacy in forming [del: and divulging] an opinion on a point so nearly concerning his interests and that only a permanent sense of public duty when disjointly called upon by the Government of my country which has a right to the best exercise of my judgement and faculties when seeking to be informed by them for the public advantage could decide me to enter upon such a task. To that delicacy is added a serious difficulty. During the last 10 or 12 years I have in great measure lost sight of the progress of the Engine, having resided several years out of England and since my return having been by no means in close or frequent communication with him [del: up]on its subject. Nor does my present situation permit me to enter [del: upon] fully into [del: all] the many and great developments of which would demand the requirements of a practical engineer for which I feel some months of severe [del: and arduous] application would but inadequately prepare me. It is therefore at best a birds-eye view of the subject that I can take and one in which it is very possible Mr Babbage may feel that he has a right to complain of some of his most cherished conceptions [del: not being .. ] being left unconsidered. ]
[Del: On the subject of] The utility of continuing to spend money on this machine must depend
[Insert: Take Care in Copying 1. 2. 3]
1st On the absolute utility of the machine supposing it was completed [del: or as it .,, ]
[Del: End] 3rd On the probability or certainty that its completion will be secured by the expenditure of such sums that the Government may consider itself justified in devoting to it
[Del: 3rdly] 3rdly On the total amount [del: ultimately] henceforward to be expended [del: henceforward] on it as [del: weighed] considered in realtion to the absolute utility of the machine [insert: to the claims of other branches of science on the national purse] and [del: as consideration of ] to the sum already laid out. [Del: The part of the question dependent on this point may be considered as the question of its relative utility.
On the subject of the absolute utility of the machine when completed, my own opinion coincided fully with that of the body of whose judgement it constituted an element nor have I since found the least reason to retract or alter it. I might therefore content myself with referring to the official record of that judgement as delivered in reply to references made by the Government to the Council, as the expression of my present sentiments on that head. Nevertheless I shall particularize a few cases in which its utility will be readily perceived out of many which might be selected.
But first it is necessary for me to observe that I understand by the "Calculating [del: Engine] Machine" referred to in the Astronomer Royal's communication to be intended a machine destined to accomplish the objects of the Engine brought under the notice of the Royal Society, whether by the same identical mechanical combinations, or by other simpler and more efficacious suggested by subsequent experience or which [del: may bring] have brought under its dominion tables not within its power at that epoch. An Engine in short of which the essential character is the calculating and printing series of numbers following one another in tabular order, the principle of such calculation being the successive addition of numbers one to another by mechanism which includes as a particular cases the process of multiplication [del: and] as well as the calculation of series by differences.
I make this observation because I am perfectly aware that Mr Babbage's views on the applicability of mechanism to calculatory combination in general have extended very far in advance of a simply numerical tabulation, to which however if the Engine in question be not restricted, I beg to understand as delivering no opinion whatever as to any parts of its structure which may surpass this limit. And this, not as in any way undervaluing the possible utility of such combinatory mechanism, but as being no way prepared to enter [del: into so vast a .... 3 on the [del:] new] considerations this subject suggests. This premised, I proceed to the particular instances of expected utility alluded to above.
1. There are constantly going forward reprints, in various forms, of logarithmic, trigonometrical, and a multitude of other useful mathematical and practical tables, in all which reprints, [del: (especially if attended with recomputation)] there is not only danger, but almost a moral certainty of errata creeping in, whose consequences might become serious where (as in navigation) large interests, or life [del: is] are at stake. [Insert: An undetected error in a logarithmic table is like a sunken rock at sea yet undiscovered, upon which it is impossible to say what wrecks [del: may have taken place (in the literal sense of the word)] may have taken place, ] Now were an Engine capable of doing such work accessible at reasonable cost [del: might inte..] it is hardly to be supposed that it would not at least in a great many cases supersede the ordinary processes of [del: letter]press printing and [del: rending] revision.
2. I consider it by no means improbable that the present generation will not pass away without witnessing the reconstruction of the whole map of Solar Lunar and Planetary tables, based on a more complete [del: and refined] development of Newtonian theory than that which has served for the construction of those now in use, on the one hand; and on the other, on the reduction (according to a uniform system and with the best elements) of all the existing observations -at least of all the British ones- such reduction being actually in prgress, if not completed, under the direction and at the instance of the present Astronomer Royal. [Del: seems all or nearly all Astronomical tables] Tables of this nature [del: which are not] are for the most part either arithmetical progressions or tables of natural cosines to a given radius [insert: and therefore within the power of the Engine in its improved form. And its application to their calculation and printing would be the most satisfactory proof which could be afforded of its practical success. ] [Del: The great mass of such tables therefore might be written of almost currente calamis with hardly any computation, by the aid of a general table of such cosines from radius I up to 10,000 which would be the easiest task of such an Engine, or indeed of one infinitely less elaborate in its arithmetical part provided the printing part were perfect. [Footnote: Such a table for integer degrees would comprise 450000 numbers and two volumes of this extent one for cosines and one for tangents would [del: greatly facilitate...] be a vast assistance to the general computist saving logarithmic computation in every case when tabulation of such functions to integer degrees in requisite.] Now would the computation and printing of the tables in question by the direct operation of an engine such as Mr. Babbage's present any materially greater difficulty the process of multiplication of one number by a fixed succession of given numbers being the whole work of such a table. The facility with which an Arithmetical Engine could accommodate itself to all the requisites of a work of this kind so as to execute [del: the] it with convenience and cheapness would be a fair practical test of its utility.]
[Del: 3. The mathematical quantities known by the name of Elliptic Transcendents are continually acquiring [del: a] greater importance as a means of calculating the numerical results of] geometrical investigations. Tables exist for them, but should their use become more common, these would require to be revised and extended. There can be no doubt that means might be found of computing such tables by differences as in the case of logarithms and thus subjecting them to mechanical calculation and printing, This perhaps is looking too far forward into the future,]
3. [Del: In say nothing of the great number of] In the numerous tables (chiefly arithmetical progressions) which the Public Service requires, [del: for the . ... ] the guarantee of unimpeachable correctness [del: in such tables] is not without its dsitinct value. [Del: a very simple case will illustrate this] This may be instanced by a [del: simple] case of recent occurrence. In the reports [del: and ... made by] of the Commissioners [del: for considering] appointed to consider the steps to be taken for restoring the lost standards of weights and measures, it is recommended that an edition of certain tables [del: of a peculiar .,.] should be prepared and printed by Government for the use of dealers in Bullion as a probably influential means of procuring [del: publicity] the disuse of the Troy Pound. As vast sums would come to be computed [del: by such tables, a perfect reliance of their freedom from error [del: indispensable] becomes the most indispensable condition for their introduction.] by such tables it is obvious that nothing but a general impression of their absolute correctness could secure their introduction [del: and adoption] and so enable them to [del: accomplish] exert their designed [del: purpose] intent.
[Del: 5. By the use of Automaton wheels various tables founded on observed laws of mortality or other statistical or observational data not reducible to any known mathematical expression might be calculated and printed, I presume Mr Babbage cannot have over looked this application of his mechanism,]
These instances, [del: and a great many more which it would be tedious to recapitulate] will suffice to shew that the prospect of utility to accrue from the completion of the Engine in question is neither illusionary nor trifling, The ultimate practical utility of the Engine must however also greatly depend on the convenience and cost of working and maintaining it, on the regulations under which its accessibility to the public may be secured and on the distinctness of the direction for its use and for the repair of such parts as may in possibility get out of order as its inventor shall furnish to accompany it [del: and] which [del: direction I should observe] must be regarded as an essential part of it, [Del: These however are points on which I have no information and indeed which are [incidentally! individually] posterior to its construction.]
The second point [del: or that of relative utility] on which as already observed the utility of continuing to spend money on the machine appears to me to depend, [del: is that in which the the question of relative utility, is one on which the fact placed before me afford no data but hypothetical ones] is the total proposed expenditure, as weighed against the absolute utility of the machine, and as considered in relation both to the sums already expended and to the claims which other branches of Science theoretical and practical may be held to have on that portion of the national income (del: which .... ] be it greater or less [than] which can be devoted to such objects I should cripple my prospect of scientific utility irrecoverably in my present and future possible advocacy of any such claims if then consulted I could [del: leave out] omit so very important an element.
Now the terms [del: of any problem...] in which the question is put viz that a sum not less than 16000 will be required, leave me here without any ground to go upon except [del:up]on one assumption which therefore I am compelled to make. Viz: that the minimum named is also the [del: ultimatum] ultimum, that the least grant which will accomplish the object is the last which will be asked for. [Del: Even with this assumption] And in effect it is possible that such may be the case for, I consider that by this long and costly experience, Mr Babbage must have acquired a full practical knowledge not only of the expences attending this peculiar style of workmanship in general, but a clear view of particular items, so that it would be not unreasonable to expect that he [del: should] might be [del: enabled] able by this time to name a sum which would certainly cover the cost and with which, if granted he would pledge himself to the completion of the Engine, life being spared [insert: and that he has only been held back from doing so by the natural reluctance which every man feels to pledge himself against contingencies]. At all events I must suppose such a pledge given with respect to the sum actually actually in question, or declare myself unable to advance towards the formation of any opinion at all on this [del: point] head [del: and must be understood to decline doing so].
Making this assumption then the work, pecuniarily speaking must be regarded as half done. [Insert: As regards invention and experience I presume it must be considered much further advanced since it seems to me inconceivable that a man of Mr Babbage's talents bending his powers almost exclusively for 20 years to this object and [del: Expend?] devoting to it so vast an amount of intellectual labour as I know him to have done should not at least have fully perfected the/his idea [del: of the Engine he has undertaken] of the Engine [del: as have for those only I contemplate] he originally proposed to construct [del: whatever development his ulterior views]
[Del: And the question is as to the utility of expending the latter half of its total cost in resuscitating the former which will otherwise have been sunk.
[Del: Now] It is clear that if, in the outset of the project, it had been decided that 32000£ was not too much to expend on it, Mr Babbage is only so far advanced on the high road to his conclusion, and all is right.
If on the other hand it had been decided to expend only as far as 16000 the money is expended and the work not completed. [Del: Therefore the attempt on that supposition, and in that sense of the word has failed.] The attempt then on that supposition and in that sense of the word has proved unsuccessful.
And it [del: has] now comes to be enquired whether it be for the public benefit to make a [del: first] second attempt [underline deleted:) with the advantage of starting from the advance gained and the experience of 20 years acquired.
[Del: Now though I will not presume to state] I think it would not be becoming in me formally to deliver an opinion on this point because it is rather a moral than an abstract one, and one which it rests solely with the executive to estimate -for, (in the case which I am now arguing) [del: they have] it has [del: their] its part, and it must be purely a matter of liberality if [del: they] it volunteer a second time. Yet it is my duty to observe
1st that the advantages to the Public of such an Engine remain just what they were before its construction was attempted.
2d That I have full confidence in Mr Babbage's ability to complete the Engine if the pecuniary means be afforded him.
3d That although at the outset of this matter [insert: as a member of the Council of the Royal Society and bearing in mind the claim of other branches of Science to [del: the] public aid] I should certainly have viewed with dismay the idea of recommending [del: as a member of the Council of the Royal Society] an expenditure of 32000£ of the public money on this object -yet [insert: judging from my present impressions] I am disposed to think I should not have [del: regarded] considered the [del: half] moiety of that sum wholly inadmissible, if regarded as an absolutely as final and under proper understanding as to the accordance to the public of the privilege [2 under [del: reasonable] proper regulations][1 of using the Engine when completed].
4th That, as 20 years have elapsed in proceeding so far, and [del: that] as doubtless a considerable time must still elapse before the completion of the work and the Total Expenditure being therefore spread over a very long period, a corresponding enlargement of the period within which the equivalent benefits are to accrue, ought to be allowed. A tree of slow growth must repay its culture by a long maturity.
5th [Del: That I have hitherto forborne to advert to the immitiga] That although ultimate success may be damped in the minds of some by an impression of excessive cost, yet there can be no dissentient opinion as to the immitigated evil[del:s] of an outlay of 16000£ terminating in an abandonment of the undertaking.
[Deleted with the note "Out decidedly": So far in reference to the Expenditure already incurred, in weighing a proposed public erpenditure for useful purposes against the expected it is necessary [insert: in so far as those benefits can be estimated as a matter of pecuniary value] in order to turn the scales to shew either 1st a certainty of a saving accruing to Government itself of a sum at least equal in a short time, or 2d of a much longer saving or profit in a long one or 31y a highly probable gain or saving to the Community to an amount so great as to render the Expenditure comparatively insignificant. In none of these points of view however do I feel prepared [del: to give any opinion much less to] with such a demonstration in the actual state of the data, and to hazard [del: an unsupported] a merely conjectural opinion and expect it to be received as valid would be idle.
Of benefits not [del: so] distinctly capable of pecuniary estimation I have already stated my opinion that they are neither illusionary nor trifling.
[Deleted with note "Out ??" and in pencil: "Out but do not hope it rewritten": As respects the claims of othr branches of Science I can have only one remark to make that Science consists of parts in harmony and not in jealous conflict or competition with each other and that the most desireable and advantageous way in which it can be advanced by public aid is by an application of such aid to all its branches, liberal in proportion to their relative importance [del: until a comparatively void period.
The Third [del: point] element into which I have resolved the question submitted to my consideration is the probability of success, the means being granted. I have already stated my opinion of Mr. Babbage's full ability to complete the machine satisfactorily, [del: life being spared]. But in an event to be deplored equally by his friends and by the world, should this great work not be finished or very nearly so [deleted with note "Out": I know not when the task of completing it could .. .. .
the case being one altogether peculiar ......... its completion by a successor could ahrdly be looked for considering the rare combination of inventive power, [del:zeal] and devotion to this particular object which would be required. A son indeed might complete what the Father began, but the public would have no right to expect it at his hands.
It would be fortunate indeed if a successor should arise possessing the same combination of inventive powers and [del: absolute] devotion to the task which [del: so eminently] distinguish Mr. Babbage himself.
I ought further to add that I have felt it my duty, being so applied to, to [del: form and deliver] give the subject the best consideration I am able without reference to [del: those] the opinions whatever they may be of my scientific colleagues. This, though necessary to secure the singleness and independence [del: of] which I think an opinion so demanded ought to have, yet tends to render me diffident [del: in .. * in its delivery] of its value [del: even in its present modified form] and disposed to wish that as the principle of individual has been preferred to that of public reference, that principle should be extended further than to myself alone supposing it not already done.
Neither have I communicated on the subject with Mr. Babbage himself for a similar reason though as [del: my personal] a friend [del: whose] from whom I am desirous to have no concealment on a matter so nearly [del: relating to his interests] affecting him I can have no objection but rather the contrary [del: that a copy of this letter should be transmitted to him] to his being made acquainted with the contents of this letter,
I have the honor [del: to be] most respectfully [del: Sir] to remain
[del: with the utmost respect]
Sir
Your most obedt & humble Servt
JFW Herschel
Note on back of letter:
Box A5, no 13
Letter to Goulbourn
Re Babbage's Calculating Engine
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 52
Herschel to Babbage
n.d. [ca May 18291
Dear Babbage
at 12- precise Mr W and myself were admitted to the Duke and when seated Mr W. commenced the conversation by referring to the note written by him to the Duke. He stated that you had commenced the Engine under the auspices of Govt and with an understanding on your part that the undertaking was sanctioned & protected by Govt. that you had received two grants of 1500 and that this was not enough & that it was/became necessary in the opinion of your friends for the relief of your mind from the worry & anxiety in which you were that you should ascertain what prospect you were to entertain of further aid. The duke's remark was that it would be important to shew some document proving the original understanding with Govt].. for that it was a principle of Govt. never to make any grant of money on any project or invention {"I said we have every day inventions submitted to me, in manufacture, finance &c.") till it was actually brought to bear in practice & then to either grant a Sum by Parliamentary Reward, or to purchase the invention –[del:and] if said he we want to get money now we must go to the House of Commons & there will not be time for that so late in the Session. He enquired of the date of the first commn with Govt. Mr Whitmore not recollecting clearly, said 1822 and referred to me for corroboration. I took out the printed report of the 1st Council of the RS & your letter to Davy dated 1822 and pointed out that correspondance as marking the epoch and the interest then taken by Govt. in it. This he retained & percieving other papers in my hands asked whether I had anymore documents. I then placed in his hands the Report of the Committee of the RS 1829 and the answer of the Council formed of it & took that opportunity to state verbally the chief matter of the report -the sums you had laid out & the debts you had incurred- to the total extent of near 7000£ including what you had said [was] owed since its date. That the opinion of the Engineers was distinct an the moral certainty of success if persevered in: was going on to make further statements when the Duke asked whether I had any more documents to lay before him (retaining what I had already put into his hands) and scarcely giving time for a reply, abruptly rose and terminated the conversation by a bow, making no further observation whatever.
This is as nearly as I can recollect what passed, but probably Mr Whitmore
may be able to add some [del: private] particulars or correct me in some points.
Yours ty
JFW H.
Royal Society Herschel Collection Box 27 Item 53
Fragment of a letter from Lord Rosse to Herschel
re Babbage's Difference Engine No. 2
6th July 1852, 13 Connaught Place
Dear Sir John
Mr Babbage has placed a proposition in my hands for the completion of the Difference Engine to be placed before Lord Derby. What is your view of the matter? Do you still think the difference engine would be worth making? If the Difference engine was finished it seems to me not impossible that the Analytic engine described by Menabrea would be undertaken. You are infinitely more competent that I to form a just .... [remainder missing]
Royal Society Berschel Collection Box 27 Item 54 (part)
Various Newspaper Cuttings
a) Extract from The Extractor
b) A letter to the Editor of the Times From Herschel dated Slough, Aug 15 1828
c) Extract from the Record of Tuesday, August 19th 1828
d) Extract from the Record of August 8th 1828
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