At each increase of knowledge, as well as on the contrivance of every new tool, human labour becomes abridged. Charles Babbage More Quotes by Charles Babbage More Quotes From Charles Babbage As soon as an Analytical Engine exists, it will necessarily guide the future course of the science. Whenever any result is sought by its aid, the question will then arise — by what course of calculation can these results be arrived at by the machine in the shortest time? Charles Babbage aids machines guides If we define a miracle as an effect of which the cause is unknown to us, then we make our ignorance the source of miracles! And the universe itself would be a standing miracle. A miracle might be perhaps defined more exactly as an effect which is not the consequence or effect of any known laws of nature. Charles Babbage miracle ignorance law Unless there exist peculiar institutions for the support of such inquirers, or unless the Government directly interfere, the contriver of a thaumatrope may derive profit from his ingenuity, whilst he who unravels the laws of light and vision, on which multitudes of phenomena depend, shall descend unrewarded to the tomb. Charles Babbage government light science The errors which arise from the absence of facts are far more numerous and more durable than those which result from unsound reasoning respecting true data. Charles Babbage data errors science Another mode of accumulating power arises from lifting a weight and then allowing it to fall. Charles Babbage arise weight fall It is difficult to estimate the misery inflicted upon thousands of persons, and the absolute pecuniary penalty imposed upon multitudes of intellectual workers by the loss of their time, destroyed by organ-grinders and other similar nuisances. Charles Babbage nuisance intellectual loss There is, however, another purpose to which academies contribute. When they consist of a limited number of persons, eminent for their knowledge, it becomes an object of ambition to be admitted on their list. Charles Babbage lists ambition numbers A tool is usually more simple than a machine; it is generally used with the hand, whilst a machine is frequently moved by animal or steam power. Charles Babbage simple animal hands Perhaps it would be better for science, that all criticism should be avowed. Charles Babbage criticism should would-be The half minute which we daily devote to the winding-up of our watches is an exertion of labour almost insensible; yet, by the aid of a few wheels, its effect is spread over the whole twenty-four hours. Charles Babbage wheels four half Scientific knowledge scarcely exists amongst the higher classes of society. The discussion in the Houses of Lords or of Commons, which arise on the occurrence of any subjects connected with science, sufficiently prove this fact. Charles Babbage government house class In mathematics we have long since drawn the rein, and given over a hopeless race. Charles Babbage hopeless race long That the state of knowledge in any country will exert a directive influence on the general system of instruction adopted in it, is a principle too obvious to require investigation. Charles Babbage influence principles country Trimming consists of clipping off little bits here and there from those observations which differ most in excess from the mean, and in sticking them onto those which are too small; a species of 'equitable adjustment,' as a radical would term it, which cannot be admitted in science. Charles Babbage here-and-there data mean Long intervals frequently elapse between the discovery of new principles in science and their practical application... Those intellectual qualifications, which give birth to new principles or to new methods, are of quite a different order from those which are necessary for their practical application. Charles Babbage creativity discovery science You will be able to appreciate the influence of such an Engine on the future progress of science. I live in a country which is incapable of estimating it. Charles Babbage appreciation science country He will also find that the high and independent spirit, which usually dwells in the breast of those who are deeply versed in scientific pursuits, is ill adapted for administrative appointments; and that even if successful, he must hear many things he disapproves, and raise no voice against them. Charles Babbage independent successful science The possessors of wealth can scarcely be indifferent to processes which, nearly or remotely have been the fertile source of their possessions. Charles Babbage wealth source process Science in England is not a profession: its cultivators are scarcely recognised even as a class. Our language itself contains no single term by which their occupation can be expressed. We borrow a foreign word [Savant] from another country whose high ambition it is to advance science, and whose deeper policy, in accord with more generous feelings, gives to the intellectual labourer reward and honour, in return for services which crown the nation with imperishable renown, and ultimately enrich the human race. Charles Babbage ambition science country Surely, if knowledge is valuable, it can never be good policy in a country far wealthier than Tuscany, to allow a genius like Mr. Dalton's, to be employed in the drudgery of elementary instruction. Charles Babbage tuscany genius country
