Paris Court Blocks Auction of World's Earliest Calculator, La Pascaline
In a historic decision, the Paris Administrative Court has provisionally blocked the auction of La Pascaline, widely regarded as one of the world's first calculating machines. The decision came after a French heritage group successfully argued that the device, developed by mathematician Blaise Pascal in 1642, should be classified as a national treasure.
La Pascaline is not only significant for its age but also for its groundbreaking design, which was meant to "substitute the human mind with a machine." The device is considered a quantum leap in scientific innovation and could fetch around €2m to £3m if sold at auction. However, French authorities have deemed it too valuable and historically important to be sold on the open market.
Christie's Auction House had announced plans to sell La Pascaline as part of its upcoming sale featuring rare scientific instruments from the library of Catalonia collector Léon Parcé. But with the Paris court's intervention, the auction has been put on hold indefinitely.
Experts and scientists have long argued that such historic devices should be protected under France's heritage code, guaranteeing their preservation for future generations. The decision by the Administrative Court is seen as a victory for those advocating for cultural preservation.
With only nine of these machines still in existence, La Pascaline is undoubtedly one of the most significant scientific artifacts ever to come up for sale. It is now uncertain whether or when it will be sold, leaving its potential buyers and collectors in limbo.
In a historic decision, the Paris Administrative Court has provisionally blocked the auction of La Pascaline, widely regarded as one of the world's first calculating machines. The decision came after a French heritage group successfully argued that the device, developed by mathematician Blaise Pascal in 1642, should be classified as a national treasure.
La Pascaline is not only significant for its age but also for its groundbreaking design, which was meant to "substitute the human mind with a machine." The device is considered a quantum leap in scientific innovation and could fetch around €2m to £3m if sold at auction. However, French authorities have deemed it too valuable and historically important to be sold on the open market.
Christie's Auction House had announced plans to sell La Pascaline as part of its upcoming sale featuring rare scientific instruments from the library of Catalonia collector Léon Parcé. But with the Paris court's intervention, the auction has been put on hold indefinitely.
Experts and scientists have long argued that such historic devices should be protected under France's heritage code, guaranteeing their preservation for future generations. The decision by the Administrative Court is seen as a victory for those advocating for cultural preservation.
With only nine of these machines still in existence, La Pascaline is undoubtedly one of the most significant scientific artifacts ever to come up for sale. It is now uncertain whether or when it will be sold, leaving its potential buyers and collectors in limbo.
, I mean think about it - a piece of history that's literally one of the oldest calculator machines out there is just chillin' in some museum somewhere waiting for its next big auction or sale... what if it gets lost or damaged or who knows, sold to some random collector without any idea of its historical significance? 
at least now it'll be safe from getting squished by collectors trying to make a quick buck 
! As an expert on ancient technology, I can confidently say that this decision is a win for history buffs and preservationists alike 
. The fact that these machines are only nine in existence makes them super rare and irreplaceable – we can't just replace something like that with a modern copy or reproduction.
. It's crazy to think about how this device was meant to "substitute the human mind with a machine" back in 1642 – it's like, whoa, Blaise Pascal was way ahead of his time 
! And now that we know how important it is, it makes total sense that France wants to keep it safe for future generations.
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! Can you imagine trying to explain the concept of calculus to someone who built a machine 383 years ago? "Sir, this box can do math, but it needs help with its math homework 
". Seriously though, what a historic find – I'd love to see some pics of it in action, even if it's just pretending to calculate stuff 
. Hopefully these French heritage folks get their way and we don't lose this piece of history 
.
The French are so serious about preserving history they're not even willing to let it go on eBay! I guess that's what happens when a calculator from 1642 is considered more valuable than a new iPhone. 
The French need to chill out and let the market decide - after all, it's not like La Pascaline is going to disappear or anything if it gets sold 
. I mean, €2m+ is nothing for a piece of history like that! And who says scientists need to make money anyway? Just keep it in some museum or lab where nobody can even touch it. It's not like they'd use it for anything practical 
This is so cool! A calculator from 1642! 
Can you believe it? The French are being super responsible here. I mean, €2m to £3m is a lot of money, but La Pascaline's history and significance just can't be put into numbers 
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! I mean, can you even imagine some collector just buying up a piece of history like La Pascaline? It's not just about the money; it's about preserving these incredible artifacts for us to learn from and appreciate. Nine of them still exist?! That's crazy talk! 
We need to protect this stuff so future generations can geek out over it too 
. The heritage code is seriously the way to go here 
. Fingers crossed that La Pascaline will be safe and sound in a museum or archive somewhere, where we can fawn over it for years to come 
!
I mean, can you believe that this amazing piece of history could be lost forever just because some people want to protect it? Like, I get it, it's super valuable and all, but come on! It's only €2m to £3m - not exactly life-changing money. 
it's insane that there are only 9 of these machines left in the world, and now one of them could be sold for millions... it's not just about the money tho, it's about preserving our cultural heritage 
. Fingers crossed that one of these machines will end up in a museum or something, so everyone can see and learn from it 
. Like, what's the deal with French pastries being so addictive?! Anyway, back to La Pascaline... have you guys ever heard of Blaise Pascal? He was like, super smart and stuff. I wonder if they'd still be making machines like that today. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from the past about innovation 
... it ensures that future generations can benefit from studying & learning about La Pascaline's innovative design & Blaise Pascal's groundbreaking work 
. Plus, who knows what kind of research or discoveries could be made possible if these machines were available to scientists & historians? 
, so it's definitely not something that should be sold to the highest bidder. I'm all for preserving our cultural heritage 
. Can't help but wonder what other secrets this old thing might hold 
.