Rest in peace, Charles Babbage. While he was an all around polymath of a guy (founding such varied organizations as the Analytical Society and the Astronomical Society), Babbage is best known these days as the father of the computer--he was the first to invent a theoretical digital programmable computer (his “analytical engine”) [Konrad Zuse actuated the first programmable computer--Babbage’s was only theoretical]. [Fellow stamp enthusiasts: he also took an interest in matters postal and after he took it into his head to investigate, concluded that the post should be governed by a uniform postal rate--what eventually came to be Rowland Hill’s pennypost.] [Along with Tesla, Babbage is a rather popular figure in steampunk works.] He died on this date in 1871 at the age of 79.
Stamp details: Stamp on left: Issued on: March 5, 1991 From: London, England MC #1321
Stamp on right: Issued on: February 25, 2010 From: London, England MC #2892
