Pascal

Blaise Pascal
Born	19 June 1623 Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne, France
Died	19 August 1662 Paris, France
Nationality	French
Known for	Pascal's theorem, Pascal's triangle, Pascal's law
Scientific career
Fields	Mathematics, physics, philosophy, theology

Blaise Pascal (19 June 1623 – 19 August 1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer, and Catholic theologian. He was a child prodigy who was educated by his father, a tax collector in Rouen. Pascal's earliest work was in the natural and applied sciences where he made important contributions to the study of fluids, and clarified the concepts of pressure and vacuum by generalizing the work of Evangelista Torricelli. Pascal also wrote in defense of the scientific method.

Early life and education

Blaise Pascal was born in Clermont-Ferrand, which is now part of modern-day France. His mother, Antoinette Begon, died when he was only three years old. His father, Étienne Pascal, was involved in the legal and administrative system but also had a strong interest in science and mathematics. Étienne, who had lost his wife, moved the family to Paris. Pascal was introduced to mathematics and physics at a young age, showing an extraordinary talent for the subject.

Contributions to Mathematics

Pascal's significant contributions to the field of mathematics include the invention of the mechanical calculator, contributions to the theory of probability, and the development of Pascal's triangle and Pascal's theorem. His work on the calculation of probabilities laid the foundation for modern economics and social science.

Pascal's Triangle

Pascal's Triangle is a triangular array of the binomial coefficients. It has many applications in mathematics, including algebra, probability, and number theory. The triangle is used to calculate combinations and to find coefficients in binomial expansion.

Pascal's Theorem

In projective geometry, Pascal's theorem (or the Mystic Hexagram) states that if six arbitrary points are chosen on a conic (a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola) and joined by line segments in any order to form a hexagon, then the three pairs of opposite sides of the hexagon (extended if necessary) will meet at three points lying on a straight line, called the Pascal line.

Contributions to Physics

Pascal also made significant contributions to the field of hydrodynamics and hydrostatics, and his inventions include the hydraulic press and the syringe. He is also known for Pascal's law (the principle of transmission of fluid-pressure).

Religious Philosophy

In later life, Pascal pursued religious philosophy. His most influential theological work, the Pensées, was a collection of fragments on theological and philosophical topics. It was published posthumously and outlined his views on the human condition, arguing for a belief in God as a "wager" that was in one's best interest.

Death and Legacy

Pascal's health was always weak, and his death came just two months after his 39th birthday. His contributions to mathematics and science, such as Pascal's wager, Pascal's triangle, and Pascal's law, continue to influence various fields of study.

See also

• List of French inventors and discoverers
• History of mathematics
• History of physics