Science

Ada Lovelace

An aristocrat barred from university by her sex; published the first computer algorithm in 1843.

Born: 1815 · London, England
Roots: English aristocracy; daughter of the poet Lord Byron
Family: Wealthy; Byron left months after her birth; her mathematically trained mother raised her in wealth and had her tutored rigorously.
Education: Private tutors (universities did not admit women); mentored by Mary Somerville
Started with: Aristocratic wealth; Private tutors and scientific society access came with her class.
Affiliations & societies: None documented.; Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.

The pathway

1833 · age 17
Meets Charles Babbage
Sees the Difference Engine demonstration and begins a long correspondence.
1835 · age 19
Marries into the Lovelace title
Continues mathematical study alongside society life.
1843 · age 27
The Notes
Translates a paper on Babbage's Analytical Engine; her appended notes — three times longer — include the first published algorithm.
1843 · age 27
Beyond calculation
Writes that such a machine could manipulate symbols and even compose music — general-purpose computing, a century early.
1852 · age 36
Dies of cancer
Her work is largely forgotten until the mid-20th century.

Sources

Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.