Early Life and Family Benjamin Herschel Babbage (6 August 1815 – 22 October 1878) was an English engineer, scientist, explorer, and politician, best known for his pioneering role in establishing the colony of South Australia. He invariably signed his name “B. Herschel Babbage” and was frequently referred to as “Herschel Babbage.” Born in London, he was the eldest son of Charles Babbage, a renowned mathematician and inventor who is cre…