Page:Passages from the Life of a Philosopher.djvu/89

Rh 1828, he waited in person upon Lord Goderich, who admitted that the understanding of 1823 was not very definite. He then addressed a statement to the Duke of Wellington, as the head of the Government, explaining the previous steps in the affair; stating the reasons for his inferences from what took place at the interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in July, 1823; and referring his Grace for further information to Lord Goderich, to whom also he sent a copy of that statement.

The Duke of Wellington, in consequence of this application, requested the Royal Society to inquire—

"Whether the progress of the Machine confirms them in their former opinion, that it will ultimately prove adequate to the important object it was intended to attain."

The Royal Society reported, in February, 1829, that—

"They had not the slightest hesitation in pronouncing their decided opinion in the affirmative."

The Royal Society also expressed their hope that—

"Whilst Mr. Babbage's mind is intensely occupied in an undertaking likely to do so much honour to his country, he may be relieved, as much as possible, from all other sources of anxiety."

On the 28th of April, 1829, a Treasury Minute directed a further payment to Mr. Babbage of

1,500l. to enable him to complete the Machine by which such important benefit to Science might be expected."

At that time the sum expended on the Engine amounted to 6,697l. 12s., of which 3,000l. had been received from the Treasury; so that Mr. Babbage had provided 3,697l. 12s. from his own private funds.

Under these circumstances, by the advice of Mr. Wolryche Whitmore, a meeting of Mr. Babbage's personal friends was held on the 12th of May, 1829. It consisted of—