Rue Deparcieux

Who would have thought that a street could tell such a story? Rue Deparcieux, nestled quietly in the 14th arrondissement, is more than just a pathway. It whispers tales of mathematics, history, and even architectural quirks. Rue Deparcieux wasn’t always known by this name. Before 1864, it was “Rue Neuve-du-Champ-d’asile,” a name tied to its past. The street’s final christening honors Antoine Deparcieux, a French mathematician who lived from 1703 to 1768. Though not as famous as Fermat, Deparcieux’s work was all about practical application. He delved into mechanics, water-powered motion, and even perfected sundials. But Deparcieux’s legacy took an interesting turn. In 1746, he published a groundbreaking work: “Essay on the Probabilities of the Duration of Human Life.” This work, with its life expectancy tables, became a cornerstone for life insurance companies. They used it to determine ages for guaranteed benefits. Today, as you walk down Rue Deparcieux, you’ll see more than just a street named after a mathematician. Look closely, and you’ll find charming remnants of the past alongside modern structures. At number 9, a curiously narrow doorway stands as a testament to times gone by. Further down, at number 11-13, a beautiful double doorway captures the eye. But it’s number 14 that holds a peculiar secret: two windows, sealed shut with bricks. They are a stark reminder of a now-defunct, and some would say absurd, tax law – the window tax. This law, abolished in 1926, led to countless windows being bricked up across France, all in a bid to avoid taxation. Sadly, this also contributed to many buildings becoming unhealthy and poorly ventilated. Rue Deparcieux, a seemingly ordinary street, offers a glimpse into a layered past. It’s a testament to how history, mathematics, and even peculiar tax laws can leave their mark on the very fabric of a city.