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Passages from the Life of a Philosopher

Chapter 40: CHAPTER XXII. SCENE FROM A NEW AFTER-PIECE, CALLED “Politics and Poetry;” or, “The Decline of Science.”
By Charles Babbage
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About This Book

This work presents a collection of reflections and experiences from the life of a prominent philosopher and mathematician, exploring his thoughts on various subjects, including science, technology, and society. It delves into the development of the Analytical Engine, highlighting the challenges and triumphs encountered in its creation. The author shares insights into his interactions with notable figures of his time and discusses the broader implications of his inventions. Themes of innovation, intellectual pursuit, and the relationship between knowledge and society are woven throughout, providing a glimpse into the mind of a pioneering thinker.

CHAPTER XXII. SCENE FROM A NEW AFTER-PIECE, CALLED “Politics and Poetry;” or, “The Decline of Science.”

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.
  • PEOPLE OF FASHION:—
    • TURNSTILE, a retired Phi­los­o­pher, M.P. for Shoreditch.
    • LORD FLUMM, a Tory nobleman of ancient family.
    • COUNTESS OF FLUMM, his wife.
    • LADY SELINA, their daughter.
    • HON. MRS. FUBSEY, sister of the Countess.
  • WHIGS:—
    • LORD A., Prime Minister.
    • CLOSEWIND, First Lord of the Admiralty.
    • SHIFT, Secretary at War.
    • SMOOTH, Secretary for the Colonies; also M.P. for Shoreditch.
  • TORIES (Members of the Conservative Club):—
    • LORD GEORGE,
    • LORD CHARLES,
    • MARQUIS OF FLAMBOROUGH,
    • DICK TRIM, a former Whipper-in,
  • SHOREDITCH ELECTORS:—
    • HIGHWAY, a Radical.
    • GRISKIN, Colonel of the Lumber Troop.
    • TRIPES, his Lieutenant.
  • PHI­LOS­O­PHERS:—
    • SIR ORLANDO WINDFALL, Knt. R. Han. Guelph. Order, an Astronomical Observer.
    • SIR SIMON SMUGG, Knt. R. Han. Guelph. Order, Professor of Botanism.
    • ATALL, an Episcopizing Mathematician, Dean of Canterbury.
    • BYEWAYS, a Calculating Officer.
  •  
    • Other Lords—Conservative and Whig.

The Scene is laid in London; principally at the West-end of the Town.

The time is near the end of May, 1835. {277}