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Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (von Leibniz) (1646-1716) was a German mathematician and philosopher. His mathematical notation has been widely used ever since it was published. His Law of Continuity and Transcendental Law of Homogeneity only found mathematical implementation in the 20th century. He became one of the most prolific inventors in the field of mechanical calculators. He invented the Leibniz wheel, used in the arithmometer, the first mass-produced mechanical calculator. He also refined the binary number system, which is at the foundation of virtually all digital computers. In philosophy, Leibniz is mostly noted for his optimism and along with Rene Descartes and Baruch Spinoza, was one of the three great 17th century advocates of rationalism.