Final answer:
Blaise Pascal innovated the first mechanical digital calculator due to the failure of others to construct his design, contributing significantly to mathematics and fluid statics. His experiences reflect a common narrative of inventors receiving less profit than anticipated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Due to the failure of getting others to build his design, Blaise Pascal, a prominent mathematician and inventor, took it upon himself to craft the first mechanical digital calculator. His motivation to create stemmed from his strong background in mathematics, which he had passionately pursued from a young age in spite of his father's efforts to keep him away from the subject until the age of 15. This innovation was one of many in Pascal's lifetime, who not only greatly contributed to several mathematical theories but whose work in fluid statics also led to practical applications such as hydraulic systems used in car brakes. Moreover, like many inventors, Pascal experienced the harsh truth that his inventions didn't always bring in the expected financial gain.
The application of one of his theories, Pascal's Principle, is integral to technology, especially in the operation of hydraulic systems. Unfortunately, his story reflects a common theme among inventors where the rewards of their creations don't always align with their contributions or expectations.