Blaise Pascal

Sara Jane Klaus

Block 3
Have you ever noticed that all the great scientists went through some
suffering? Well, Blaise Pascal was no exception. This brilliant mind worked so
hard and now you will learn about his education, suffering and accomplishments.
Blaise Pascal was born on June 19, 1623. His education was not like other
scientists. He did not go to school, instead his father taught him at home. In
1628, when Blaise was 5 years old, he began to learn to read and write.
A little bit later in life he learned science but his father prohibited him from
learning math until he was 15. Just imagine, no math until you were 15! That
must be like heaven. However, when Blaise turned 12 he found his fathers math
books and poof, he instantly loved it! Now, even though Mr. Pascal was furious,
he realized he could not take math away from Blaise and at the age of 12, Blaise
started learning math. Now you know the interesting (or not so interesting)
education of Blaise Pascal.
Do you remember when I said most famous scientists suffered? Well, now
you will learn about what Pascals sufferings were. Arent you excited? If your
answer is no, then please, lie for my sake.
Blaises suffering began in 1626 when Blaise was 3 years old. This was
the year his mother died. In 1651, when he was 28, Blaises father died and
during this period Blaise became very religious. Also during this time, he
suffered from a nervous ailment. This was very painful and he had attacks
several times a day. Blaise had to walk with a cane and was crippled for the rest
of his life. Blaise died in Paris, France on August 19,1662 from complications
from stomach cancer. He was only 39. Wasnt that interesting?

Along with the suffering Blaise Pascal endured, he had amazing

accomplishments which you will learn about soon.
Blaise Pascal invented the worlds second calculating machine. Now youre
probably asking yourself why is it so famous if it is the second? Because it was
totally different from the first, thats why. Pascal also created Pascals Triangle
which is shown on the next page.

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This is Pascals triangle, it shows that 1+1=2, 2+1=3, 3+1=4 and 3+3=6. This triangle can go on
forever.
So now youve learned about Blaise Pascals education, sufferingings and his acomplishments. he
was a wonderful man who did amazing things.