Historic ‘First Calculator’ Pulled from Auction Amid Court Ruling

La Pascaline: A National Treasure in Jeopardy

A significant piece of scientific history, known as La Pascaline, has been withdrawn from auction by Christie’s, as a Paris court has temporarily halted its export. This calculating machine, recognized as the first of its kind, was developed by the French mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal in 1642 when he was only 19 years old. It has been heralded as "the most important scientific instrument ever offered at auction," with anticipated bids exceeding €2 million (£1.8 million).

The Court's Intervention

The decision to withdraw La Pascaline comes in the wake of a provisional suspension from the Paris administrative court, which responded to an urgent appeal from a coalition of scientists and researchers. Late Tuesday, the court announced that it was pausing the export authorization for the instrument, citing its historical and scientific significance. According to the court, La Pascaline is likely to be designated as a "national treasure," which would prevent the issuance of an export certificate and thereby prohibit its departure from France.

Christie’s Decision

In light of the court's ruling, Christie’s announced on Wednesday that it would suspend the sale of La Pascaline. The instrument was part of an auction featuring the library of the late collector Léon Parcé. The auction house stated that the decision was made in compliance with the court's instructions and pending a final determination, which could take several months.

A Glimpse into History

La Pascaline has been privately owned since 1942 and is one of only eight authentic Pascalines known to exist today. Christie’s has referred to these machines as “nothing less than the first attempt in history to substitute the work of a machine for that of the human mind.” Pascal created these devices to mechanize the process of mental calculations, primarily to assist his father, who was responsible for overseeing tax revenue collections in northern France.

Functionality and Design

The instrument was designed for various calculations, and Pascal produced several models tailored for different functions, such as calculating decimals, commercial transactions, or taxes. The particular version in question is intended for surveyors and can perform calculations in units such as feet, inches, and fathoms.

Calls for Preservation

A prominent group of scientists and researchers, including 2021 Nobel physics laureate Giorgio Parisi, recently appealed to the administrative court to prevent La Pascaline’s export. They argued that the machine should be recognized as a national treasure and remain in France. In an op-ed published by Le Monde, they emphasized that La Pascaline represents “the origin of modern computing” and plays a crucial role in establishing France as the cradle of computing innovation, which has significantly transformed our understanding of the world.

Concerns Over Heritage

The scientists expressed their concern over the potential export of La Pascaline, labeling it as “one of the key jewels in France’s intellectual and technological heritage.” They criticized the state’s decision to grant Christie’s export authorization, arguing that it reflects a troubling lack of regard for France’s scientific legacy. They lamented the missed opportunity for French institutions to prepare bids for such an important artifact, describing the situation as an “astounding blunder.”

A Reflection on Pascal's Legacy

In their passionate plea, the researchers highlighted the importance of understanding Blaise Pascal not just as a mathematician and philosopher, but as an engineer and writer whose contributions are invaluable. They noted that 2023 marked the 400th anniversary of Pascal’s birth, underscoring the significance of preserving his legacy and the instruments associated with it.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The case of La Pascaline serves as a vital reminder of the importance of safeguarding scientific heritage. The potential designation of this calculating machine as a national treasure could lead to its preservation within France, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical and educational significance. As the court deliberates, the broader implications for France’s commitment to preserving its scientific treasures remain to be seen.