Manchester University Press
2 The metaphysical poet: Ada Lovelace
Abstract
This chapter explores the scientific accomplishments of Ada Lovelace, in particular her work on the development of Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, which led to her being today rightly considered the world’s first computer programmer. Lovelace was the estranged daughter of the Romantic poet Lord Byron, but from an early age was discouraged by her mother from artistic pursuits, and instead encouraged to study both science and maths. As a result, Lovelace often found herself caught between the allures of science and poetry, but her greatest achievements came about as a result of her ability to use the intersections between the two disciplines to create new processes and understanding
Abstract
This chapter explores the scientific accomplishments of Ada Lovelace, in particular her work on the development of Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, which led to her being today rightly considered the world’s first computer programmer. Lovelace was the estranged daughter of the Romantic poet Lord Byron, but from an early age was discouraged by her mother from artistic pursuits, and instead encouraged to study both science and maths. As a result, Lovelace often found herself caught between the allures of science and poetry, but her greatest achievements came about as a result of her ability to use the intersections between the two disciplines to create new processes and understanding
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Acknowledgements viii
- Introduction 1
- 1 The Romantic scientist: Humphry Davy 11
- 2 The metaphysical poet: Ada Lovelace 43
- 3 The lyrical visionary: James Clerk Maxwell 64
- 4 The medical metrist: Ronald Ross 89
- 5 The reluctant poet: Miroslav Holub 120
- 6 The poetic pioneer: Rebecca Elson 151
- Epilogue 174
- Notes 180
- Select bibliography 203
- Index 206
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Acknowledgements viii
- Introduction 1
- 1 The Romantic scientist: Humphry Davy 11
- 2 The metaphysical poet: Ada Lovelace 43
- 3 The lyrical visionary: James Clerk Maxwell 64
- 4 The medical metrist: Ronald Ross 89
- 5 The reluctant poet: Miroslav Holub 120
- 6 The poetic pioneer: Rebecca Elson 151
- Epilogue 174
- Notes 180
- Select bibliography 203
- Index 206
