History of Science: Prototype computer will be recreated in the UK

The British scholar John Graham-Cumming has set his mind on building of an analytical engine designed by the 19th c. mathematician and engineer Charles Babbage and considered to be a prototype computer. It is notable that this engine was not completely built.

To implement the project Graham-Cumming is going to collect £500 000. The scholar is using an unusual method of fundraising: on October 6 he created a PledgeBank entry for the project.

In this entry Graham-Cumming promises to implement the project only if at least 50 000 people will donate £10 to fund the organization.

To sign this pledge entry will be possible until 31st January. In case the developers will succeed in recreating the engine it will be donated to one of the British museums.

The analytical engine was designed on paper by Charles Babbage in 1837. It was envisaged that it would be built out of brass and iron. It was the size of a small lorry and powered by steam but it was recognizable as a computer. However Babbage failed to collect money for project’s implementation, thus the engine remained just in theory.

Attempts to create elements of Babbage analytical engine were undertaken by his son Henry Babbage. Another prototype is owned by the British Museum of Science.