Charles Babbage is widely recognized as a pioneer of the programable computer due to his ingenious designs for steam-driven calculating machines in the 19th century. But Babbage drew inspiration from ...

Since you might not have heard of the device before, here's a quick rundown. The device attached to a weaving loom and used printed punch cards to "program" patterns into the looms woven fabric.

New tech has always caused both fear and wonder. We see this tension play out in history, mythology, film. What are some of the most gripping tales being told? Joseph-Marie Jacquard was in his fifties ...