What system was used to operate the gears of the difference engine?

The Difference Engine, designed by Charles Babbage, operated using a system of gears, levers, and cranks to perform calculations. It utilized a series of interconnected gears that represented numbers and mathematical operations, allowing the machine to compute polynomial functions. The mechanical design relied on precise engineering to ensure accurate results through its automatic process of carrying and addition. This innovative system laid the groundwork for future mechanical computing devices.