Marin Mersenne

Marin Mersenne Historical Figure Nationality: France Year of Birth: 8 September 1588 Year of Death: 1 September 1648 (aged 59) Cause of Death: Natural causes Religion: Catholicism Occupation: Author, mathematician, music theorist Fictional Appearances: 1632 series POD: May, 1631 Appearance(s): Grantville Gazette VII, Grantville Gazette IX, Grantville Gazette X, Grantville Gazette XXXIX Type of Appearance: Reference; Direct in Grantville Gazette XXXIX Date of Death: 1634 Cause of Death: Throat slit

Marin Mersenne (pronounced Mehr-SENN), Marin Mersennus or le Père Mersenne (8 September 1588 – 1 September 1648) was a French theologian, philosopher, mathematician and music theorist, often referred to as the "father of acoustics". Mersenne was known for his extensive correspondence with mathematicians and scientists in many countries. At a time when the scientific journal had not yet come into being, Mersenne was the center of a network for exchange of information.

Marin Mersenne in 1632

Marin Mersenne was a regular correspondent with William Cavendish's uncle Charles. In mid-1632, he met William and his tutor, Thomas Hobbes, and gave them a letter of introduction to Galileo Galilei.

Colette Modi knew of Mersenne's role in spreading mathematical ideas, and he was one of the three people who received original copies of the Crucibellus Manuscripts.

In 1634, Mersenne was killed when someone attacked Rene Descartes.