02429cam a22003253u 4500 57532 UtSlPG 20260610134327.0 m cr n 260607r2018||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d 15003228 UtSlPG en iso639-1 QA Babbage, Charles, 1791-1871 Passages from the Life of a Philosopher Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2018 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2018-07-18 Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team and RichardW at http://www.pgdp.net "Passages from the Life of a Philosopher" by Charles Babbage is a semi-autobiographical account written in the mid-19th century. This work combines personal reflections with insights into the development of Babbage's inventions, particularly his pioneering work on calculating machines, including the Difference Engine. Through anecdotes and experiences across various social contexts, Babbage explores the challenges and triumphs he faced in the pursuit of knowledge and invention. The opening of the text introduces Babbage's thoughts on ancestry and the value of a name, reflecting on his own family history and philosophical musings about identity. He begins with a humorous consideration of heritage, asserting that despite the perceived advantages of a distinguished lineage, it also brings expectations that can weigh heavily. Following this, Babbage shares early childhood memories filled with curiosity and inquisitiveness, particularly highlighting his fascination with understanding the world around him. He recounts formative experiences that shaped his budding philosophical outlook, including an adventurous episode of being lost on London Bridge and a humorous incident involving a near-poisoning. Together, these glimpses into Babbage's early life set the stage for the themes of exploration and rational inquiry that permeate the book. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Mathematicians -- Great Britain -- Biography Babbage, Charles, 1791-1871 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/57532 98361 98361