[21] The documents containing these details are found among the Pascal MSS. in the National Library at Paris, having been given by Marguerite Périer to one of the Guerrier family, by whose care so many interesting memorials of Pascal have been preserved. See Faugère, Int. to Ed. of Pensées, xlvi.-ix.
[23a] Cousin, app. 392.
[23b] Faugère, Lettres, Opuscules, etc., p. 452. It is difficult to make out the exact chronological sequence of some of the facts mentioned by Pascal’s sister and niece. But a special accession of ill-health, according to both, seems to have followed his conversion at Rouen, and to have been amongst the causes of his removal to Paris in 1647.
[23c] Pp. 134–137.
[26a] Jacqueline Pascal, p. 73.
[26b] Œuvres de Blaise Pascal, t. 4. Paris, 1819.
[28a] North British Review, August 1844, p. 296.
[28b] I owe this information to the kindness of my friend, Professor Tait of Edinburgh. He further informs me that “of late years the calculating machine of M. Scheutz has been employed in the production of many valuable tables almost hopelessly beyond the power of mere mental calculation;” and that a very simple and ingenious machine, known as the Arithmomètre of M. Thomas, is to be found in the office of almost every engineer and actuary.
[29a] Letter to M. Ribeyre, Œuvres, t. iv.
[29b] The illustrious Italian was then advanced in years. He died in January 1642.