Ten fun facts about Ada Lovelace
Fact 1
Her notes on the engine include what is recognized as the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine.
Fact 2
She is often described as the world's first computer programmer.
Fact 3
As a young adult, her mathematical talents led her to an ongoing working relationship and friendship with fellow British mathematician Charles Babbage, and in particular Babbage's work on the Analytical Engine.
Fact 4
Between 1842 and 1843, she translated an article by Italian military engineer Luigi Menabrea on the engine, which she supplemented with an elaborate set of notes of her own, simply called Notes. These notes contain what many consider to be the first computer program—that is, an algorithm designed to be carried out by a machine.
Fact 5
Lovelace's notes are important in the early history of computers.
Fact 6
She also developed a vision on the capability of computers to go beyond mere calculating or number-crunching while others, including Babbage himself, focused only on those capabilities.
Fact 7
Ada's mind-set of "poetical science" led her to ask basic questions about the Analytical Engine (as shown in her notes) examining how individuals and society relate to technology as a collaborative tool.
Fact 8
On 8 July 1835 she married William King, 8th Baron King, becoming Baroness King.
Fact 9
Lovelace often questioned basic assumptions by integrating poetry and science.
Fact 10
Throughout her life, Ada was strongly interested in scientific developments and fads of the day, including phrenology and mesmerism.
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