Alfred White Van Sinderen collection of Charles Babbage
Scope and Contents
Correspondence of Charles Babbage, writings by Babbage, and other related papers collected by Alfred White Van Sinderen. Correspondence, circa 1810-1864 and undated, consists of autograph letters, signed, most from Babbage to colleagues, friends, and others; also present are a few letters to Babbage and third party letters. Correspondents include Alexander Dallas Bache; Michael Faraday; William Henry Fitton; Benjamin Hawes; Ada King, Countess of Lovelace; and Peter Mark Roget. Writings by Babbage include a untitled poem, autograph manuscript, circa 1817-1820, about Babbage's unsuccessful efforts to obtain an academic appointment; "To the Electors of Finsbury," 1832 November 12, printed proof, about Babbage's views during the Parliamentary election; and an autograph manuscript account book, 1810-1827. Most correspondence and writings are accompanied by typed transcripts and notes by Van Sinderen. Other papers include additional notes made by Van Sinderen and vendor descriptions for books by Babbage.
Dates
- 1810-1990s
- Majority of material found within 1820-1864
Creator
Language of Materials
In English
Conditions Governing Access
The materials are open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The Alfred White Van Sinderen Collection of Charles Babbage is the physical property of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the appropriate curator.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Alfred White Van Sinderen (Yale 1945), 1991 and 1998.
Arrangement
Organized into three series: I. Correspondence of Charles Babbage, 1810-1864. II. Writings of Charles Babbage, 1810-1832. III. Other Papers, 1700s-1990s.
Extent
0.63 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Abstract
Correspondence of Charles Babbage, writings by Babbage, and other related papers collected by Alfred White Van Sinderen. Correspondence, circa 1810-1864 and undated, consists of autograph letters, signed, most from Babbage to colleagues, friends, and others; also present are a few letters to Babbage and third party letters. Correspondents include Alexander Dallas Bache; Michael Faraday; William Henry Fitton; Benjamin Hawes; Ada King, Countess of Lovelace; and Peter Mark Roget. Writings by Babbage include a untitled poem, autograph manuscript, circa 1817-1820, about Babbage's unsuccessful efforts to obtain an academic appointment; “To the Electors of Finsbury,” 1832 November 12, printed proof, about Babbage's views during the Parliamentary election; and an autograph manuscript account book, 1810-1827. Most correspondence and writings are accompanied by typed transcripts and notes made by Van Sinderen. Other papers include additional notes by Van Sinderen and vendor descriptions for books by Babbage.
Charles Babbage (1791-1871)
British mathematician and computer pioneer.
Alfred White Van Sinderen (1924-1998) (Yale 1945)
Southern New England Telecommunications Corporation executive, 1947-1985; faculty fellow, Yale University School of Organization and Management; and Yale University Library Associates trustee. Van Sinderen assembled his collection of books and manuscripts relating to Charles Babbage during the 1960s through 1990s.
Processing Information
Former call numbers: Uncat Ms Vault 809 and Uncat Ms Vault File. In 2015, the collection received a baseline level of processing, including rehousing and minimal organization. The collection was reclassed under one call number, and containers were renumbered. Most folder titles were based on information provided by the donor, while some were assigned by Library staff. Folder titles were not verified against contents.
- Account books -- Great Britain -- 19th century
- Babbage, Charles, 1791-1871
- Bache, A. D. (Alexander Dallas), 1806-1867
- Computer scientists -- Great Britain
- Faraday, Michael, 1791-1867
- Finsbury (London, England) -- Politics and government -- 19th century
- Fitton, William Henry, 1780-1861
- Hawes, B. (Benjamin), 1797-1862
- Lovelace, Ada King, Countess of, 1815-1852
- Roget, Peter Mark, 1779-1869
- Scientists -- Great Britain
- Scientists -- Great Britain -- 19th century
- Van Sinderen, Alfred White, 1924-1998
- Title
- Guide to the Alfred White Van Sinderen Collection of Charles Babbage
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Karen Spicher
- Date
- 2015
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Repository
Location
121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Opening Hours
Access Information
The Beinecke Library is open to all Yale University students and faculty, and visiting researchers whose work requires use of its special collections. You will need to bring appropriate photo ID the first time you register. Beinecke is a non-circulating, closed stack library. Paging is done by library staff during business hours. You can request collection material online at least two business days in advance of your visit, using the request links in Archives at Yale. For more information, please see Planning Your Research Visit and consult the Reading Room Policies prior to visiting the library.