The Origins of Cyberspace collection described as lots 1-255 will first be offered as a single lot, subject to a reserve price. If this price is not reached, the collection will be immediately offered as individual lots as described in the catalogue as lots 1-255.
BABBAGE, Charles. Autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent [probably William Vernon Harcourt (1789-1871)]. [London] Dorset St., Manch. Square, November 20, 1831. 2 pages.
Details
BABBAGE, Charles. Autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent [probably William Vernon Harcourt (1789-1871)]. [London] Dorset St., Manch. Square, November 20, 1831. 2 pages.
A significant letter relating to Babbage's role in the foundation of the British Association for the Advancement of Science."The subject of obs[ervation] of tides is in much better hands than mine. It is one to which I have not given much attention. I think it probable that the new Society will give an impetus to science and will probably induce may persons not very conversant with science to undertake series of obsrs [observations] when it is proved to them that in such a course they will be useful though perhaps at first humble laborers. There are in all parts of England many persons of moderate fortune living idly[;] we might by proposing certain kinds of obser[vatio]ns induce such persons to work. I cannot without much time enter upon this subject but I hope to meet you at Oxford when I will most gladly discuss the question next year.
I do not think it desireable [sic] to have my name on any committee because it is really impossible that I can find time even for my own pursuits. All that you must expect from me is to use me as a flint, by collision to knock sparks from the steel collected at our annual meetings and then our Society will provide the tinder in which the ignited metal may find a proper nidus. If we can encourage an enthousiasm [sic] for observations, many of us may become useful in pointing out proper subjects."
Babbage's correspondent was probably William Vernon Harcourt, a leading member of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society and the prime mover behind the organization of the first meeting of the British Association (BAAS)-the "Society" referred to in the letter, of which Babbage was a founding member. Babbage, Harcourt, and others founded the British Association as a reform alternative to the Royal Society, with Babbage serving as one of the three founding trustees of the new society. One of the ways the BAAS would introduce reform was by making its membership open to all interested persons rather than allowing itself to be become an exclusive, snobbish organization. By referring to himself as a "flint" Babbage seems to have been suggesting that his personal contacts with influential people would be helpful in advancing the scientific reform undertaken by the new organization. OOC 39.
A significant letter relating to Babbage's role in the foundation of the British Association for the Advancement of Science."The subject of obs[ervation] of tides is in much better hands than mine. It is one to which I have not given much attention. I think it probable that the new Society will give an impetus to science and will probably induce may persons not very conversant with science to undertake series of obsrs [observations] when it is proved to them that in such a course they will be useful though perhaps at first humble laborers. There are in all parts of England many persons of moderate fortune living idly[;] we might by proposing certain kinds of obser[vatio]ns induce such persons to work. I cannot without much time enter upon this subject but I hope to meet you at Oxford when I will most gladly discuss the question next year.
I do not think it desireable [sic] to have my name on any committee because it is really impossible that I can find time even for my own pursuits. All that you must expect from me is to use me as a flint, by collision to knock sparks from the steel collected at our annual meetings and then our Society will provide the tinder in which the ignited metal may find a proper nidus. If we can encourage an enthousiasm [sic] for observations, many of us may become useful in pointing out proper subjects."
Babbage's correspondent was probably William Vernon Harcourt, a leading member of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society and the prime mover behind the organization of the first meeting of the British Association (BAAS)-the "Society" referred to in the letter, of which Babbage was a founding member. Babbage, Harcourt, and others founded the British Association as a reform alternative to the Royal Society, with Babbage serving as one of the three founding trustees of the new society. One of the ways the BAAS would introduce reform was by making its membership open to all interested persons rather than allowing itself to be become an exclusive, snobbish organization. By referring to himself as a "flint" Babbage seems to have been suggesting that his personal contacts with influential people would be helpful in advancing the scientific reform undertaken by the new organization. OOC 39.
Further details
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