IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0096 AL414
Held at: Senate House Library, University of London
Title: Babbage, Charles: letter, 8 Nov 1850
Date(s): 1850
Level of description: Collection
Extent: 1 sheet
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 an unknown recipient, 8 Nov 1850. Giving directions for meeting Babbage on Wednesday at 7 o'clock. Autograph, with signature. Last leaf only of a letter written on several sheets.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
See hard copy catalogue.
Conditions governing access:
Access to the items in the collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the controlled 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:
Purchased from E Hall (1966).
ALLIED MATERIALS
Existence and location of copies:
Presumably, Miss Treadwell retained the original letters after relinquishing these copies; the current whereabouts of the original letters is unknown.
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Archivist's note: Compiled by Anya Turner.
Date(s) of descriptions: July 2008