Raul Miller wrote: > Which makes me curious about this notation. If I were to compare > his particular notation with others, what advantages would which > each have? > Babbage would argue that his notation was more precise. Given that he was making more complicated machines than had previously existed, maybe he needed that.
> Also, is there anything like a dictionary of mechanical notation? Some > kind of reference work aimed at thoroughly describing it? > > I put a very small amount of effort into finding about this system of > notation, and my current impression is that his system of notation > was targeted at describing the timing requirements for adding > machines in the context of mechanical drawings. But maybe I > have been too hasty? The scope was a little more general. You may want to look at http://digital.library.cornell.edu/k/kmoddl/pdf/001_001.pdf where Babbage gives the notation for an 8-day clock. His main application was, of course, Difference Engine No. 2 and the Analytical Engine, neither of which are straight adding machines. Best wishes, John ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
