Abstract
IN 1642 Blaise Pascal, a Frenchman, invented the first calculating machine. The tercentenary of this event, which has had such a profound influence upon applied mathematics and physics, should appropriately have been celebrated this year in Paris. In order that the date should not pass unnoticed, a small committee was formed, under the chairmanship of Dr. L. J. Comrie, to arrange a commemorative luncheon followed by an exhibition of calculating machines. Other members of the committee were an eminent Frenchman of science now in Great Britain, Mr. W. Desborough and Mr. R. S. Nilsson, a Swedish engineer. The celebration was held on October 19 at the Connaught Rooms, London. The 120. guests who attended the luncheon included those who design calculating machines, those who make them, those who use them, and several members of the Fighting French, including an official deputation from General de Gaulle's headquarters.
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P., M. PASCAL TERCENTENARY CELEBRATION. Nature 150, 527 (1942). https://doi.org/10.1038/150527a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/150527a0