Had it not been for the tireless efforts of French Minimite friar Marin Mersenne, communication describing the discoveries in science would have never been dispersed to the far corners of the mathematical and scientific worlds during the 17th century. During this critical period in the history of mathematics there were no scientific publications, bulletins, or newsletters. Instead, information was disseminated via scientific discussion circles such as Accademia dei Lineei (host to Galileo) and Accademia del Cimento in Italy, the Invisible College in England, and by written correspondence. Fortunately, Mersenne had a particular penchant for correspondence and a personal interest in the advancement of mathematical knowledge. It was said that to notify Mersenne of a discovery was the same as informing all of Europe.

Mersenne was born on September 8, 1588, near Oize, Sarthe, France, and later entered into service for the Roman Catholic Church as a devoted teacher in 1611. He...