History of Scientific Ideas

Part 2 published under title: Novum organon renovatum.Mode of access: Internet

The early mathematical education of Ada Lovelace

Ada, Countess of Lovelace, is remembered for a paper published in 1843, which translated and considerably extended an article about the unbuilt Analytical Engine, a general-purpose computer designed by the mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage. Her substantial appendices, nearly twice the length of the original work, contain an account of the principles of the machine, along with a table often described as ‘the first computer program’. In this paper we look at Lovelace's education before 1840, which encompassed older traditions of practical geometry; newer textbooks influenced by continental approaches; wide reading; and a fascination with machinery. We also challenge judgements by Dorothy Stein and by Doron Swade of Lovelace's mathematical knowledge and skills before 1840, which have impacted later scholarly and popular discourse

The first principles of mechanics, with historical and practical illustrations

by William Whewel

On the free motion of points, and on universal gravitation, including the principal propositions of books I. and III. of the principia

by William Whewel

An elementary treatise on mechanics : designed for the use of students in the university

by W. Whewel

On the motion of points constrained and resisted, and on the motion of a rigid body

by William Whewel