The Difference Engine is a mechanical calculator designed by Charles Babbage in the 19th century. It was intended to automate the process of calculating and printing mathematical tables, which were essential for navigation and engineering. The machine used a series of gears and levers to perform polynomial calculations, significantly reducing human error. Although Babbage never completed a full-scale version, his design laid the groundwork for modern computing. The Difference Engine represents an early attempt to create a machine that could perform complex calculations, showcasing the potential of mechanical computation long before the advent of electronic computers.