This Difference Engine was constructed by Andrew Carol and is apparently capable of computing 2nd or 3rd order polynomials to 3 or 4 digits. Charles Babbage's design for Difference Engine No.2, which was finally constructed by the Science Museum in 1991 as Nineteenth century machining wasn't quite up to the task, could evaluate 7th order polynomials to 31 digits of accuracy.
Even so Andrew Carol has managed an astounding feat I believe. If only I had the time and blocks to construct one of my very own.
Labels: LEGO
