1642 in science
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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.[1]
Exploration
- November 24 â Abel Tasman, Dutch explorer, is the first European known to sight Tasmania, which he names Anthoonij van Diemenslandt.[2]
- December 13 â 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) â Seki Takakazu, Japanese mathematician (died 1708)
- December 25 (OS) â Isaac Newton, English polymath (died 1727)
Deaths
- January 8 â Galileo Galilei, Italian astronomer (born 1564)