,
, or
= any number whatever, at once suggests how entirely distinct must be the nnature of the principles through whose application matter has been enabled to become the working agent of abstract mental operations in each of these engines respectively; and it affords an equally obvious presumption, that in the case of the Analytical Engine, not only are those principles in themselves of a higher and more comprehensive description, but also such as must vastly extend the practical value of the engine whose basis they constitute.
[19] This subject is further noticed in [Note F].
[20] A fuller account of the manner in which the signs are regulated, is given on in Mons. Menabrea’s Memoir, [pages 17], [18]. He himself expresses doubts (in a note of his own at the bottom of the latter page) as to his having been likely to hit on the precise methods really adopted; his explanation In being merely a conjectural one. That it does accord precisely with the fact is a remarkable circumstance, and affords a convincing proof how completely Mons. Menabrea has been imbued with the true spirit of the invention. Indeed the whole of the above Memoir is a striking production, when we consider that Mons. Menabrea had had but very slight means for obtaining any adequate ideas respecting the Analytical Engine. It requires however a considerable acquaintance with the abstruse and complicated nature of such a subject, in order fully to appreciate the penetration of the writer who could take so just and comprehensive a view of it upon such limited opportunity.
[21] This adjustment is done by hand merely.
[22] It is convenient to omit the circles whenever the signs + or — can be actually represented.