On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures

Charles Babbage, FRS (26 December 1791 – 18 October 1871) was an English

mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer who originated the

concept of a programmable computer. Considered a "father of the computer", Babbage is

credited with inventing the first mechanical computer that eventually led to more

complex designs.
Parts of his uncompleted mechanisms are on display in the London Science Museum. In

1991, a perfectly functioning difference engine was constructed from Babbage's

original plans. Built to tolerances achievable in the 19th century, the success of

the finished engine indicated that Babbage's machine would have worked. Nine years

later, the Science Museum completed the printer Babbage had designed for the

difference engine.
-wikipedia