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1642 in science
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1642 science
1642
The year 1642 in science and technology involved some significant events.
Astronomy
Rundetårn astronomical observatory for the University of Copenhagen is completed, as is also the Panzano Observatory.
Computing
19-year-old Blaise Pascal begins to develop the Pascaline, the first practical mechanical calculator, initially to help with the recording of taxes.Histoire des instruments et machines à calculer: trois siècles de mécanique pensante 1642-1942 Jean Marguin 1994 Paris Hermann 978-2-7056-6166-3 48
Exploration
November 24 – Abel Tasman, Dutch explorer, is the first European known to sight Tasmania, which he names Anthoonij van Diemenslandt.http://nla.gov.au/nla.map-ra265-s97 Isaac Gilsemans Original Chart of the Discovery of Tasmania, 24 Nov. to 5 Dec. 1642 National Library of Australia 2011-05-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20110629165059/http://nla.gov.au/nla.map-ra265-s97 29 June 2011
December 13 – Tasman is the first European known to sight New Zealand.
Technology
Opening throughout of the Briare Canal in France, the first summit level canal in Europe built using pound locks.
The printmaking process of mezzotint is developed by Ludwig von Siegen.
Births
March (possible date) – Seki Takakazu, Japanese mathematician (died 1708)
December 25 (OS) – Isaac Newton, English polymath (died 1727)
Deaths
January 8 – Galileo Galilei, Italian astronomer (born 1564)
References
Category:1642
Category:17th century in science
Category:1640s in science