In this "steampunk" version of history, 19th century Britain has many of the features we associate with the computer age, except they are achieved mechanically with gears rather than semi-conductors. In addition to talking about "clacking" and "The Steam Intellect Society", occasional mathematical terms are tossed around, like "nonlinear analysis".

But, the primary role of math in the story comes through the important (though rarely seen) character of Ada Lovelace. In this book, she goes by Ada Byron because in this alternate reality her father (the poet Lord Byron) becomes Prime Minister. Ada herself is not doing that well. As in our version of reality, she becomes addicted to mind altering substances and gambling, and her reputation as a mathematician suffers. But, early in the book we are given reason to believe that she has made one more great discovery.

One of the main characters is entrusted by Ada Byron with a wooden box containing punch cards, which play the role of the MacGuffin in this novel. And, although math does not play much of a role in the rest of the book, it is a key component of the climax, at least for those knowledgeable enough to understand it.

Spoiler Alert!: Do not read any further if you hope to read the book and enjoy the ending without any further clues as to the final surprise.

Spoiler Alert!: Do not read any further if you hope to read the book and enjoy the ending without any further clues as to the final surprise.

Spoiler Alert!: Do not read any further if you hope to read the book and enjoy the ending without any further clues as to the final surprise.