was set by the hand to the number 99999995, and was then put in regular operation. It produced successively the following numbers.[1]
99,999,996
99,999,997
99,999,998
99,999,999
100,000,000
100,010,002
100,030,003
100,060,004
100,100,005
100,150,006
&c. &c.
Equations have been already tabulated by the portion of the machinery which has been put together, which are so far beyond the reach of the present power of mathematics, that no distant term of the table can be predicted, nor any function discovered capable of expressing its general law. Yet the very fact of the table being produced by mechanism of an invariable form, and including a distinct principle of mechanical action, renders it quite manifest that some general law must exist in every table which it produces. But we must dismiss these speculations: we feel it impossible to stretch the powers of our own mind, so as to grasp the probable capabilities of this splendid production of combined mechanical and mathematical genius; much less can we hope to enable others to appreciate them, without being furnished with such means of comprehending them as those with which we have been favoured. Years must in fact elapse, and many enquirers direct their energies to the cultivation of the vast field of research thus opened, before we can fully estimate the extent of this triumph of matter over mind. 'Nor is it,' says Mr Colebrooke, 'among the least curious results of this ingenious device, that it affords a new opening for discovery, since it is applicable, as has been shown by its inventor, to surmount novel difficulties of analysis. Not confined to constant differences, it is available in every case of differences that follow a definite law, reducible therefore to an equation. An engine adjusted to the purpose being set to work, will produce any
- ↑ Such results as this suggest a train of reflection on the nature and operation of general laws, which would lead to very curious and interesting speculations. The natural philosopher and astronomer will be hardly less struck with them than the metaphysician and theologian.
