Babbage was working on a steam-powered, combustible computer engine. This was a long time away from silicon computer chips, but it was certainly a start. By the time that Babbage met Ada Lovelace, Babbage’s benefactors were weary of all the delays and had effectively cut off funding. Nevertheless, the second that Ada laid eyes on the steam-powered clicking and clacking contraption that whirred and buzzed as it attempted simple calculations, she immediately recognized the possibilities that were being demonstrated before her.
