Blaise
Pascal was born in Clermont-Ferrand, France on June
19, 1623. Early in his career he formulated one of the basic theorems
for projective geometry, which is called Pascal's theorem.
Additionally he formulated a mathematical theory of probability, work
that is still used in mathematics, actuarial tables, theoretical
physics, and social statistics. In terms of invention, he constructed
the first mechanical adding machine in 1642.
His contributions to science include the experimental evidence that a column of mercury increases or decreases according to the surrounding atmospheric pressure. Later, the Italian physicist Torricelli confirmed his observations.
Pascal also contributed to our understanding of science in deriving a science principle (Pascal's law), which states that fluids exert pressure equally in all directions.
Blaise Pascal died in France in 1662 at the age of 39.
References
Daintith, J., Mitchell, S., & Tootill, E. (1981). A Biographical Encyclopedia of Scientists. New York: Facts on File.
Debus, A.G. (1968). World Who's Who in Science: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Scientists from Antiquity to the Present. Chicago: Marquis.
Struik, D.J. (1987). A Concise History of Mathematics. New York: Dover Publications.