Abstract
THE first calculating machine was invented in 1642 by Blaise Pascal. Had it not been for the War, the tercentenary of this event, which has had such a profound influence on applied mathematics and physics, would have been appropriately celebrated in Paris. In order that the date may not pass unnoticed, a small committee representing the Fighting French and British men of science, inventors and users has arranged a memorial luncheon to be held on October 19, at the Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, London, W.C.2, at 12.30 for 12.45 p.m. Prof. S. Chapman, president of the Royal Astronomical Society, will propose the toast of “Pascal-the inventor of the first calculating machine” . The reply will be by Prof. R. Cassin, Commissaire National á la Justice et 1'Instruction Publique. Other members of the Fighting French and French men of science in Great Britain will be present. Invitations are being sent to those who have been conspicuously associated with the development of calculating mechanisms, and to distinguished users of calculating machines, both scientific and industrial ; tickets can be obtained from Miss M. E. Purves, 23 Bedford Square, London, W.C.I.
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Tercentenary of the Calculating Machine. Nature 150, 427 (1942). https://doi.org/10.1038/150427a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/150427a0