1642 in science

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.

Exploration

• November 24 – Abel Tasman, Dutch explorer, is the first European known to sight Tasmania, which he names Anthoonij van Diemenslandt.
• 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

References

1. Marguin, Jean. (1994). "Histoire des instruments et machines à calculer: trois siècles de mécanique pensante 1642-1942". Hermann.
2. "Isaac Gilsemans Original Chart of the Discovery of Tasmania, 24 Nov. to 5 Dec. 1642". [[National Library of Australia]].