On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures

Product Description

In this famous book, first published in 1832, Charles Babbage (1791-1871), the mathematician, philosopher, engineer and inventor who originated the concept of a programmable computer, surveys manufacturing practices and discusses the political, moral and economic factors affecting them. The book met with hostility from the publishing industry on account of Babbage's analysis of the manufacture and sale of books. Babbage describes the many different printing processes of the time, analyses the costs of book production and explains the publication process, before discussing the 'too large' profit margins of booksellers. Babbage succeeded in his aim 'to avoid all technical terms, and to describe in concise language', making this an eminently readable historical account. His analysis and promotion of mechanisation and efficient 'division of labour' (still known as the 'Babbage principle') continue to resonate strongly for modern industrial engineering.

Book Description

In this eminently readable historical account, Charles Babbage surveys manufacturing practices including printing and publishing, and discusses the political, moral and economic factors affecting them. His scientific analysis and promotion of mechanisation and efficient 'division of labour' still resonate strongly for modern industrial engineering and manufacturing industries.

About the Author

Dr. Martin Campbell-Kelly is Lecturer in Computer Science, University of Warwick, Editor-in-Chief of the Charles Babbage Institute reprint series for the History of Computing, and editor of "Annals of the History of Computing".