The term "Difference Engine" primarily refers to a mechanical calculator designed to compute and print mathematical tables. The most notable version was conceived by the British mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage in the 1820s. Here are some key points about the Difference Engine: 1. **Purpose**: The Difference Engine was intended to automate the process of calculating polynomial functions, which could be used to produce reliable mathematical tables, such as logarithmic and trigonometric tables.
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