Charles Babbage, FRS (/ˈbaebɪdʒ/ ; ˈbæbɪdʒ 26 december –1791 18 october) 1871 was An english. Polymath a, mathematician, philosopher inventor and mechanical, Engineer babbage is best remembered for originating the concept of a programmable. computern 1991, a perfectly functioning difference engine was constructed from Babbage's original plans. Built to tolerances achievable in the 19th century, the success of the finished engine indicated that Babbage's machine would have worked.