Full Name: Blaise Pascal

Lived Between: 1623-1662

Nationality: French

Primary Occupation: Mathematician

Claim to Fame: Blaise Pascal is believed by many to have invented the very first digital calculator, which he called the "Arithmetic Machine". In addition to being a mathematician, Pascal was also a physician, and a theologian, as were most of the scientists of the age.

Recommended Book: Pensees (Penguin Classics) -- Blaise Pascal, A. J. Krailsheimer (Translator); Paperback

Recommended Link: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/pub/HistMath/People/Pascal/RouseBall/RB_Pascal.html