Unfortunately Babbage was his own worst enemy. Though plagued by many misfortunes, he could not learn when to stop making changes and freeze the design.

He expected to complete the engine in three years, but at the end of four years, had not reached his goal. Due to ill health, he abandoned the project for a year. When he returned, he acquired further funds from the government. But Babbage and his engineer, Joseph Clements, had a misunderstanding. Clements dissolved the workshop, dismissed his men and departed with the tools and drawings. They later were returned.