Among these were the exponential calculus, and the curve called by him the linea brachistochrona, or line of swiftest descent, which he was the first to determine, pointing out at the same time the relation which this curve bears to the path described by a ray of light passing through strata of variable density.
He prided himself on his motto, Nulla dies sine linea.
The name is supposed to be derived from maxis linea, and to indicate that originally the sea came up to it.
Care is taken not to enter the peritoneal cavity by keeping in a plane just deep to the linea alba.