On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures

First published in 1832. According to Wikipedia: "Charles Babbage, FRS (26 December 1791 – 18 October 1871 was an English mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer who originated the concept of a programmable computer.[2] Considered a "father of the computer", Babbage is credited with inventing the first mechanical computer that eventually led to more complex designs.”