June 13, 2025 • 12 mins
Delve into the extraordinary mind of Ada Lovelace, who wrote the world's first computer program in the 1840s, decades before computers existed. We explore her unique collaboration with Charles Babbage, her groundbreaking notes on the Analytical Engine, and her revolutionary vision of computing beyond mere calculation. The episode examines her mathematical education under Mary Somerville, her complex relationship with her father Lord Byron's legacy, and her profound understanding of the future potential of computing machines.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Women who changed everything, forgotten heroine's unforgettable stories.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
I'm Guy Hazy, and welcome to our podcast. Today we
delve into the fascinating story of Ada Lovelace, a figure
whose legacy intertwines with the very dawn of computer science. Lovelace,
born in the early nineteenth century, a time when women's
roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, defied societal
expectations to become a pioneer in a field yet to
(00:32):
be defined.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Indeed, her contributions, particularly her work with Charles Babbage on
the Analytical Engine, are nothing short of revolutionary. It's a
story of vision, intellect, and a unique blend of scientific
rigor and artistic sensibility.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Precisely, let's start with her contributions to early computing through
her notes on the Analytical Engine. Many consider these notes,
published in eighteen forty three, to contain the first published
computer program.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
What makes them so groundbreaking, Well, she didn't simply translate
Luigimanebree's description of the engine. Lovelace added her own extensive notes,
which were significantly longer than the original text. Note G
in particular, outlines an algorithm for calculating Bernoulli numbers using
the Analytical Engine. It's this algorithm that is recognized as
the world's first computer program. She saw the potential of
(01:21):
the machine beyond mere calculation, envisioning it as a tool
capable of manipulating symbols and creating music, a concept far
ahead of its time. Babbage himself focused primarily on the
engine's mathematical capabilities.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
So she first saw the general purpose nature of computers,
something that wouldn't be fully realized for another century.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Astonishing exactly her understanding of the analytical engine's potential was
truly remarkable. Now consider her upbringing. Daughter of the famous
poet Lord Byron, she had a rather unconventional childhood. How
did this unique educational background combining arts and science, says,
shape her computational thinking.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Her mother, Lady Byron, fearing ada might inherit her father's
perceived madness, steered her toward a rigorous education in mathematics
and logic. This, combined with her own inherent curiosity and
a pension for what she termed poetical science. A fusion
of imagination and analytical thought, allowed her to approach the
analytical engine with a unique perspective. She saw the beauty
(02:24):
in the logic, the poetry in the machine, if you will, Yes.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
That's a beautiful way to put it. This poetical science
allowed her to grasp the abstract principles underlying Babbage's invention,
something that eluded many of her contemporaries. It's fascinating to
consider how this interdisciplinary approach, so relevant today, was already
at play in Lovelace's mind.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Absolutely, but there's been some debate about the extent of
her contributions, hasn't There Some historians suggest that Babbage himself
deserves more credit for the algorithm.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
And note g true, there's some controversy, and it's important
to acknowledge Babbage's found out role. However, even if he
guided her, Lovelace's notes demonstrate a deep understanding of the
engine's workings and its potential. She grasped the machine's abstract operation,
its ability to manipulate symbols not just numbers, something Babbage
himself didn't articulate as clearly.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
So, while the exact extent of her programming contribution is debated,
her vision of the computer's potential is undeniable.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
Precisely, and this vision is where we find the most
compelling evidence of Lovelace's foresight. Where do we see her
predicting computer applications beyond mathematical calculations.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
In her notes, she speculates on the engine's ability to
compose music. She recognized that if musical notes could be
represented thematically, the engine could manipulate them, just as it
would any other data. This is a remarkable insight, considering
that the concept of digital music wouldn't emerge for over
a century.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
It is, isn't it. She also hinted at the possibility
of the engine manipulating symbols other than numbers, suggesting applications
in fields like linguistics and even art. This is the
essence of her legacy, the recognition that computers could be
far more than calculating machines, that they could be tools
for creativity and expression, a vision that continues to inspire
(04:13):
us today.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
So picking up on AIDA's incredible foresight, it's astonishing how
she grasped the potential of computers beyond mere number crunching,
even before they truly existed. Her vision, as highlighted by
Doran Swade, was revolutionary. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Absolutely. Suade's point about the transition from calculation to computation.
That's key. Ada saw that numbers could represent anything letters notes.
It's the foundation of modern computing. Astonishing really given the era.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
It is this idea that a machine could manipulate singles
according to rules, not just numbers, completely transforms our understanding
of what a computer can be. And Isaacson connects this
insight to Lovelace's obs of Jakard looms using punch cards. Right,
it's fascinating how seemingly desperate fields can connect in such
a profound way.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Right, That connection between the intricate patterns woven by the
looms and the complex calculations of Babbage's engine, it's a
powerful image. It speaks to Lovelace's unique ability to synthesize
information and to see connections others missed. It's this interdisciplinary
thinking that truly sets her apart.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
You know, I see. And this vision extended to music too.
She imagined the analytical engine composing music, a concept way
ahead of its time. Digital music wouldn't be a reality
for over a century.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
It's almost eerie, it is, isn't it. It's area. It's
like she glimpsed the future, and not just music. She
hinted at applications in linguistics art Jore. It's the core
of her legacy, this, this understanding of the computer as
a creative tool, a tool for expression.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
But of course her contributions haven't been without controversy. Some
history orients downplay her role, suggesting Babbage deserves more credit.
Whats you take on them, Well.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
The debate is important. We need to acknowledge Babbage's foundational work.
But even if he guided her, Ada's notes demonstrate a
deep understanding. She grasped the abstract principles the symbolic manipulation,
arguably better than Babbage himself. Her vision, at least is undeniable.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
And what about her famous note on artificial intelligence No.
G where she argues that the analytical engine can only
do what it's told. How does that fit into our
modern understanding of computing.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
It's interesting because while her skepticism about AI originating anything
was understandable in her time, it sparks debate. Now modern
computer science, with concepts like machine learning, would probably disagree.
Software can evolve in unpredictable ways, so it's a complex issue.
Her statement has been both debated and reinterpreted, especially by
(06:57):
figures like Alan Turing.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
So we were talking about Ada Lovelace's extraordinary foresight envisioning
computers as more than just calculators. Her notes on the
analytical engine particularly note g they're really something.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Remarkable, Really to grasp the concept of symbolic manipulation, that
numbers could represent anything, letters, musical notes. It's the foundation
of modern computing, and in the eighteen forties.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
It's mind boggling. It is this idea that a machine
could manipulate symbols according to rules, not just crunch numbers,
transforms our understanding of computing. This insight, as many scholars argue,
stemmed from Lovelace's observation of Jackard Looms, those punch cards
directing intricate patterns. It's a powerful analogy.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
It is that connection between woven patterns and complex calculations
highlights Loveless's ability to see connections others missed. It speaks
to her interdisciplinary thinking, combining arts and sciences, which was
truly unique. It's this this synthesis of knowledge that sets
(08:02):
her apart.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
And this vision extended to music. She imagined the analytical
engine composing music digital music essentially over a century before
it became reality. That's prescient, say.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
The least prescient. Yes, like she glimpsed the future, and
her vision wasn't limited to music. She hinted at applications
in linguistics art. It's the core of her legacy, the
computer as a creative tool, a tool for expression, a
radical notion for her time.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
So Lovelace's vision for the analytical engine was truly remarkable.
But what about the actual construction of the machine. It's
a fascinating and rather complex story in itself right it.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Is Babbage never actually built the complete analytical engine during
his lifetime. The technology of the time, while advanced for
the era, wasn't quite up to the task of realizing
such a complex as I see.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
But his son, Henry Babbage did construct a portion of it,
didn't he? What can you tell us about that? Hm?
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Hm?
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (09:09):
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Henry Babbage
built a part of the mill, the central processing unit
of the analytical engine. It demonstrated the feasibility of Babbage's
core concepts, which is pretty significant.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Interesting, And then much later the London Science Museum built
a working difference Engine number two based on Babbage's designs.
What was the significance of that project, it proved.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
That Babbage's designs could have been built with the technology
available to him. It dispelled the notion that his ideas
were simply too ambitious for the nineteenth century.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Yeah yeah, So where do things stand now? Are there
any ongoing efforts to actually build a complete analytical engine?
Speaker 1 (09:49):
There's Plan twenty eight, an initiative to build a working
virtual model of the analytical engine, and eventually maybe a
physical one. It's a long and challenging project, though, and
it's still in progress.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
And why is it so challenging even now with modern technology?
It seems like it should be straightforward.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
No, Well, Babbage's original designs are incredibly complex and not
always entirely clear. Interpreting them and translating them into a
workable design is a huge undertaking, you.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Know, I say. And there's also the question of Babbage's programming,
or rather his lack of a formal instruction set. How
did he describe his programs?
Speaker 1 (10:27):
He showed them as lists of states during execution, focusing
on which operator was used at each step. It wasn't
like modern programming languages at all. It was more like
a series of snapshots of the machine's internal state.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Got it. So how do modern emulators of the analytical
engine handle this? They must have some sort of instruction set, right.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
They do, but these are typically created by the emulator developers,
not based directly on anything Babbage wrote. Their interpretations of
how the engine might have been programmed. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Yeah, it's fascinating to think about the analytical engines potential
impact if they had been built in Babbage's time. He
himself recognized that it would have revolutionized the very idea
of algorithmic efficiency, didn't he He did.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
He foresaw that the engine would raise crucial questions about
the fastest way to perform calculations, a key concept in
computer science today. It's quite remarkable.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
It is so despite the fact that the analytical engine
was never fully realized, its influence on the history of
computing is undeniable, wouldn't you say?
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Absolutely? Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, though largely unappreciated and
their own time, laid the groundwork for many of the
fundamental concepts that drive modern computing. Their story is a
testament to the power of vision and the enduring legacy
of unrealized potential, and that I think is a good
(11:56):
place to leave it. Thanks for joining US
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Four,
Women who changed everything, forgotten heroine's unforgettable stories.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
I'm Guy Hazy, and welcome to our podcast. Today we
delve into the fascinating story of Ada Lovelace, a figure
whose legacy intertwines with the very dawn of computer science. Lovelace,
born in the early nineteenth century, a time when women's
roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, defied societal
expectations to become a pioneer in a field yet to
(00:32):
be defined.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Indeed, her contributions, particularly her work with Charles Babbage on
the Analytical Engine, are nothing short of revolutionary. It's a
story of vision, intellect, and a unique blend of scientific
rigor and artistic sensibility.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Precisely, let's start with her contributions to early computing through
her notes on the Analytical Engine. Many consider these notes,
published in eighteen forty three, to contain the first published
computer program.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
What makes them so groundbreaking, Well, she didn't simply translate
Luigimanebree's description of the engine. Lovelace added her own extensive notes,
which were significantly longer than the original text. Note G
in particular, outlines an algorithm for calculating Bernoulli numbers using
the Analytical Engine. It's this algorithm that is recognized as
the world's first computer program. She saw the potential of
(01:21):
the machine beyond mere calculation, envisioning it as a tool
capable of manipulating symbols and creating music, a concept far
ahead of its time. Babbage himself focused primarily on the
engine's mathematical capabilities.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
So she first saw the general purpose nature of computers,
something that wouldn't be fully realized for another century.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Astonishing exactly her understanding of the analytical engine's potential was
truly remarkable. Now consider her upbringing. Daughter of the famous
poet Lord Byron, she had a rather unconventional childhood. How
did this unique educational background combining arts and science, says,
shape her computational thinking.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Her mother, Lady Byron, fearing ada might inherit her father's
perceived madness, steered her toward a rigorous education in mathematics
and logic. This, combined with her own inherent curiosity and
a pension for what she termed poetical science. A fusion
of imagination and analytical thought, allowed her to approach the
analytical engine with a unique perspective. She saw the beauty
(02:24):
in the logic, the poetry in the machine, if you will, Yes.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
That's a beautiful way to put it. This poetical science
allowed her to grasp the abstract principles underlying Babbage's invention,
something that eluded many of her contemporaries. It's fascinating to
consider how this interdisciplinary approach, so relevant today, was already
at play in Lovelace's mind.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Absolutely, but there's been some debate about the extent of
her contributions, hasn't There Some historians suggest that Babbage himself
deserves more credit for the algorithm.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
And note g true, there's some controversy, and it's important
to acknowledge Babbage's found out role. However, even if he
guided her, Lovelace's notes demonstrate a deep understanding of the
engine's workings and its potential. She grasped the machine's abstract operation,
its ability to manipulate symbols not just numbers, something Babbage
himself didn't articulate as clearly.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
So, while the exact extent of her programming contribution is debated,
her vision of the computer's potential is undeniable.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
Precisely, and this vision is where we find the most
compelling evidence of Lovelace's foresight. Where do we see her
predicting computer applications beyond mathematical calculations.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
In her notes, she speculates on the engine's ability to
compose music. She recognized that if musical notes could be
represented thematically, the engine could manipulate them, just as it
would any other data. This is a remarkable insight, considering
that the concept of digital music wouldn't emerge for over
a century.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
It is, isn't it. She also hinted at the possibility
of the engine manipulating symbols other than numbers, suggesting applications
in fields like linguistics and even art. This is the
essence of her legacy, the recognition that computers could be
far more than calculating machines, that they could be tools
for creativity and expression, a vision that continues to inspire
(04:13):
us today.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
So picking up on AIDA's incredible foresight, it's astonishing how
she grasped the potential of computers beyond mere number crunching,
even before they truly existed. Her vision, as highlighted by
Doran Swade, was revolutionary. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Absolutely. Suade's point about the transition from calculation to computation.
That's key. Ada saw that numbers could represent anything letters notes.
It's the foundation of modern computing. Astonishing really given the era.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
It is this idea that a machine could manipulate singles
according to rules, not just numbers, completely transforms our understanding
of what a computer can be. And Isaacson connects this
insight to Lovelace's obs of Jakard looms using punch cards. Right,
it's fascinating how seemingly desperate fields can connect in such
a profound way.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Right, That connection between the intricate patterns woven by the
looms and the complex calculations of Babbage's engine, it's a
powerful image. It speaks to Lovelace's unique ability to synthesize
information and to see connections others missed. It's this interdisciplinary
thinking that truly sets her apart.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
You know, I see. And this vision extended to music too.
She imagined the analytical engine composing music, a concept way
ahead of its time. Digital music wouldn't be a reality
for over a century.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
It's almost eerie, it is, isn't it. It's area. It's
like she glimpsed the future, and not just music. She
hinted at applications in linguistics art Jore. It's the core
of her legacy, this, this understanding of the computer as
a creative tool, a tool for expression.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
But of course her contributions haven't been without controversy. Some
history orients downplay her role, suggesting Babbage deserves more credit.
Whats you take on them, Well.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
The debate is important. We need to acknowledge Babbage's foundational work.
But even if he guided her, Ada's notes demonstrate a
deep understanding. She grasped the abstract principles the symbolic manipulation,
arguably better than Babbage himself. Her vision, at least is undeniable.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
And what about her famous note on artificial intelligence No.
G where she argues that the analytical engine can only
do what it's told. How does that fit into our
modern understanding of computing.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
It's interesting because while her skepticism about AI originating anything
was understandable in her time, it sparks debate. Now modern
computer science, with concepts like machine learning, would probably disagree.
Software can evolve in unpredictable ways, so it's a complex issue.
Her statement has been both debated and reinterpreted, especially by
(06:57):
figures like Alan Turing.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
So we were talking about Ada Lovelace's extraordinary foresight envisioning
computers as more than just calculators. Her notes on the
analytical engine particularly note g they're really something.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Remarkable, Really to grasp the concept of symbolic manipulation, that
numbers could represent anything, letters, musical notes. It's the foundation
of modern computing, and in the eighteen forties.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
It's mind boggling. It is this idea that a machine
could manipulate symbols according to rules, not just crunch numbers,
transforms our understanding of computing. This insight, as many scholars argue,
stemmed from Lovelace's observation of Jackard Looms, those punch cards
directing intricate patterns. It's a powerful analogy.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
It is that connection between woven patterns and complex calculations
highlights Loveless's ability to see connections others missed. It speaks
to her interdisciplinary thinking, combining arts and sciences, which was
truly unique. It's this this synthesis of knowledge that sets
(08:02):
her apart.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
And this vision extended to music. She imagined the analytical
engine composing music digital music essentially over a century before
it became reality. That's prescient, say.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
The least prescient. Yes, like she glimpsed the future, and
her vision wasn't limited to music. She hinted at applications
in linguistics art. It's the core of her legacy, the
computer as a creative tool, a tool for expression, a
radical notion for her time.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
So Lovelace's vision for the analytical engine was truly remarkable.
But what about the actual construction of the machine. It's
a fascinating and rather complex story in itself right it.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Is Babbage never actually built the complete analytical engine during
his lifetime. The technology of the time, while advanced for
the era, wasn't quite up to the task of realizing
such a complex as I see.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
But his son, Henry Babbage did construct a portion of it,
didn't he? What can you tell us about that? Hm?
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Hm?
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (09:09):
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Henry Babbage
built a part of the mill, the central processing unit
of the analytical engine. It demonstrated the feasibility of Babbage's
core concepts, which is pretty significant.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Interesting, And then much later the London Science Museum built
a working difference Engine number two based on Babbage's designs.
What was the significance of that project, it proved.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
That Babbage's designs could have been built with the technology
available to him. It dispelled the notion that his ideas
were simply too ambitious for the nineteenth century.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Yeah yeah, So where do things stand now? Are there
any ongoing efforts to actually build a complete analytical engine?
Speaker 1 (09:49):
There's Plan twenty eight, an initiative to build a working
virtual model of the analytical engine, and eventually maybe a
physical one. It's a long and challenging project, though, and
it's still in progress.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
And why is it so challenging even now with modern technology?
It seems like it should be straightforward.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
No, Well, Babbage's original designs are incredibly complex and not
always entirely clear. Interpreting them and translating them into a
workable design is a huge undertaking, you.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Know, I say. And there's also the question of Babbage's programming,
or rather his lack of a formal instruction set. How
did he describe his programs?
Speaker 1 (10:27):
He showed them as lists of states during execution, focusing
on which operator was used at each step. It wasn't
like modern programming languages at all. It was more like
a series of snapshots of the machine's internal state.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Got it. So how do modern emulators of the analytical
engine handle this? They must have some sort of instruction set, right.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
They do, but these are typically created by the emulator developers,
not based directly on anything Babbage wrote. Their interpretations of
how the engine might have been programmed. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Yeah, it's fascinating to think about the analytical engines potential
impact if they had been built in Babbage's time. He
himself recognized that it would have revolutionized the very idea
of algorithmic efficiency, didn't he He did.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
He foresaw that the engine would raise crucial questions about
the fastest way to perform calculations, a key concept in
computer science today. It's quite remarkable.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
It is so despite the fact that the analytical engine
was never fully realized, its influence on the history of
computing is undeniable, wouldn't you say?
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Absolutely? Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, though largely unappreciated and
their own time, laid the groundwork for many of the
fundamental concepts that drive modern computing. Their story is a
testament to the power of vision and the enduring legacy
of unrealized potential, and that I think is a good
(11:56):
place to leave it. Thanks for joining US
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Four,
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