Who made the first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786?

The first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc was achieved in 1786 by Michel-Gabriel Paccard, a physician from Chamonix, and his porter, Jacques Balmat.1

While this feat is considered a landmark event in the history of mountaineering, historical accounts were long clouded by a biased narrative. Following an unsuccessful attempt by Marc-Théodore Bourrit, he propagated the myth that Balmat deserved sole credit for the climb, largely overshadowing Paccard’s contribution until later historical corrections.1