From an early age Pascal showed an inclination toward mathematics. Together with Pierre de Fermat, Pascal invented the calculus of probabilities and laid the foundations for Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz's infinitesimal calculus. In 1647 Pascal invented a calculating machine - becoming one of the fathers of the Computer Age - and later the barometer, the hydraulic press, and the syringe. In Clermont, Pascal demonstrated how the weight of the Earth's atmosphere balanced the mercury in the barometer.

• Question of the day, #1: Can you name any computer programming languages?
• Question of the day, #2: Can you name any units of pressure?

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