Here's why:
* Rubber was already known: Indigenous peoples in the Americas had been using rubber for centuries before La Condamine's explorations. They used it to make waterproof containers, balls, and other items.
* La Condamine's role: La Condamine was a French scientist who explored South America in the 18th century. He observed the use of rubber by native people and brought samples back to Europe.
* Rubber's development: It was Charles Goodyear in the 19th century who significantly advanced the use of rubber by discovering the process of vulcanization, which made rubber more durable and resistant to temperature changes.
So, while La Condamine played a role in bringing rubber to the attention of Europe, he did not invent it.