ADA BYRON LOVELACE

The First Computer Programmer

Biographical Facts:

Ada Byron Lovelace was a British mathematician and musician, born in London in 1815. Her father was the British poet, Lord Byron. Her mother, Annabella Milbanke, encouraged her to study mathematics. Ada married Lord William King, Earl of Lovelace, and had three children. She died of cancer in 1852 at the age of 36.

Contributions:

Ada Lovelace is best known as the first computer programmer. She wrote about Charles Babbage's "Analytical Engine" with such clarity and insight that her work became the premier text explaining the process now known as computer programming.

Anectdotes: A Famous Father

Lord Byron was a flamboyantly handsome man who traveled widely and wrote what was sometimes biting criticism of British society. He fell in love with Annabella Milbanke, but their marriage lasted only one year. One week after his daughter Ada was born, Byron left for Italy and never saw Ada again. He died in Greece while fighting for Greek freedom from the Turks when Ada was 8 years old.

Those who knew Byron often remarked on the similarities between him and his mathematical daughter. The two shared dark, romantic good looks. They both died young, at exactly the same age- 36. In very different ways, they both experienced periods of great achievement and accomplishment.

One of Byron's poems is about Ada. At her request, she is buried beside her father in Nottinghamshire.

Childhood Choices:

Ada Lovelace was an active, energetic child. She loved gymnastics, dancing, and especially horseback riding. She became an accomplished musician, learning to play piano, violin, and harp. Her mother once commented that Ada was especially fascinated by mechanical things; she loved to figure out what made machines work.

As a teenager, Ada benefited from the advantages and activities of the upper class in London. She frequented concerts, theaters, and elegant parties. She met many famous and influential people including the queen of England.

What's a Woman to Do?

The one person young Ada most longed to meet was Mary Sommerville, a mathematician who had just published The Mechanism of the Heavens, a book on mathematical astronomy. Fortunately, the two became friends. It was Mrs. Sommerville who arranged for Ada to meet Lord William King, who later became Ada's husband. For Ada, Mrs. Sommerville was a role model -a woman who was also a mathematician!

HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS VOL. II                          ©1993 AIMS Education Foundation.