Another mode of accumulating power arises from lifting a weight and then allowing it to fall. (Charles Babbage)
In mathematics we have long since drawn the rein, and given over a hopeless race. (Charles Babbage)
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)
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)
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)
It is therefore not unreasonable to suppose that some portion of the neglect of science in England, may be attributed to the system of education we pursue. (Charles Babbage)
Telegraphs are machines for conveying information over extensive lines with great rapidity. (Charles Babbage)
The fatigue produced on the muscles of the human frame does not altogether depend on the actual force employed in each effort, but partly on the frequency with which it is exerted. (Charles Babbage)
On two occasions I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question. (Charles Babbage)
If we look at the fact, we shall find that the great inventions of the age are not, with us at least, always produced in universities. (Charles Babbage)
The force of vapour is another fertile source of moving power but even in this case it cannot be maintained that power is created. (Charles Babbage)
The public, who consume the new commodity or profit by the new invention, are much better judges of its merit than the government can be. (Charles Babbage)
Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all. (Charles Babbage)
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)
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)