IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0096 AL140
Held at: Senate House Library, University of London
Title: Babbage, Charles: letter, 29 May 1837
Date(s): 1837
Level of description: Collection
Extent: 2 leaves
Name of creator(s): Babbage | Charles | 1792-1871 | mathematician
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
Charles Babbage was born in London and educated at Trinity College and Peterhouse, Cambridge. From 1815 onwards, he was a participant in the burgeoning London scientific scene. He became a fellow of the Royal Society in 1816 and was active in the Astronomical Society from its foundation in 1820. Babbage published several papers and books on topics in mathematics and the philosophy of science, but is best known today for his invention of a kind of a 'difference engine' (an automated calculating machine forming a mechanical precursor to the modern computer); the machine was never built during his lifetime but staff at the Science Museum in London have since successfully constructed a working model.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Letter from Charles Babbage of Dorset Street, Manchester Square, [London] to M Sylvain van de Weyer [Belgian ambassador in London], 29 May 1837. Presenting a copy of his book 'The Ninth Bridgewater Treatise'. Autograph, with signature.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
See hard copy catalogue.
Conditions governing access:
Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Please contact the University Archivist for details. 24 hours notice is required for research visits.
Conditions governing reproduction:
Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.
Finding aids:
Typescript catalogue available in the Library's Palaeography Room.
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Accruals:
Archival history:
See archivist
Immediate source of acquisition:
Found inserted in a copy of the book to which it refers - classmark: Case E.g. 23
ALLIED MATERIALS
Existence and location of copies:
A photostatic copy and a microfilm copy of the text are held by the University of Viriginia.
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Archivist's note: Compiled by Anya Turner.
Date(s) of descriptions: July 2008