I often read about references to Babbage's brass computer, but I've always wondered what it could have actually done? What kind of effects could the Analytical Engine have had on society if it had been built?
I often read about references to Babbage's brass computer, but I've always wondered what it could have actually done? What kind of effects could the Analytical Engine have had on society if it had been built?
Second, one of the engines was actually built, I think. An AH book was written on it. In my opinion, it would be used to calculate artillery angles and make census easier. Artillery would be more accurate in late 19th and early 20th century. Maybe health effects of smoking discovered earlier? (That's what Stirling suggested in Peshawar Lancers). I mean, if someone just looks and sees for every 2,000 people smoking, there are 200 more deaths per year or something.