The empire makes great strides in many fields from industry to finance to warfare. At the heart of many of these advances is mathematics—and the ability to quantify reality. Now a brilliant young polymath from the academic city of {0} has approached the government seeking funds to create what he calls a 'difference engine'. He claims its operation will eliminate error and automate the production of the numerical tables which are so vital to so many applications. What do you say?
There is no certainty, but this could be transformative.
The risk of failure is too great. Such monies are better spent elsewhere.