Overview

On the economy of machinery and manufactures explores the relationship between technology, labor, and industrial progress. The book examines how machinery transforms production processes and improves efficiency within various manufacturing sectors. Drawing from extensive observation of European factories and workshops, it discusses how mechanical systems shape productivity, cost, and labor distribution. The work analyzes the division of labor, the role of invention in economic development, and the increasing importance of mechanical precision in industrial organization. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding these systems for the growth of national prosperity and social stability. Through clear explanations and practical examples, it connects the workings of machines to broader economic and social outcomes, illustrating how industrial innovation influences both workers and capital. The text's analytical tone and systematic approach make it one of the earliest efforts to bridge technical detail with economic reasoning, highlighting the enduring relationship between scientific advancement and societal improvement.

Full Product Details

9789374830536

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Charles Babbage was an English mathematician, philosopher, inventor, and mechanical engineer whose work laid the foundation for modern computing. Born on December 26, 1791, in London to Benjamin Babbage and Betsy Plumleigh Teape, he showed an early aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving. Educated at Trinity College and later Peterhouse, he developed a fascination with numerical calculation and mechanical precision. His visionary designs for the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine introduced the concept of programmable computation, positioning him as a pioneering figure in the history of technology. Beyond his inventions, Babbage contributed to diverse fields, including economics, statistics, and industrial engineering, reflecting a mind deeply engaged with both theory and application. His persistent efforts to improve mechanical calculation systems influenced generations of scientists and inventors, even though many of his machines were not fully realized during his lifetime. A member of the Royal Society, he sought to merge scientific inquiry with practical utility, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire innovation in mathematics, computing, and engineering.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available