1. Pierre de Fermat
Fermat's own claim to be the greatest mind of the 17th century. And honestly, it's hard to argue.
2. Blaise Pascal
Best known for his work on probability, Pascal was a true Renaissance man. Or, you know, a true 17th century Frenchman.
3. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
Co-discoverer of calculus with Sir Isaac Newton. Because, you know, someone had to balance out the ego.
4. Isaac Newton
The one who actually did most of the work, but still had to share the credit with Leibniz. Talk about a math drama.