The Slide Rule

The Slide Rule

The slide rule is mechanical device used by mostly engineers and scientists for fast and accurate
multiplication, division, to find roots and powers, and other simple math problems. It consists of a fixed
section with upper and lower parts marked with different logarithmic scales, a center part that slides
between the parts of the fixed section and is also marked with scales, and a clear cursor that can be moved
to help align the scale marks. The slide rule has almost been totally eliminated because of the 1970’s
invention of the hand-held electronic calculator. Today it is mostly used by engineers and collected by
antique collectors. A basic slide rule from the 1940’s that cost thirty dollars at the time would now be
worth over two hundred dollars.
Most people think that the only type of slide rule is the one that is straight and almost resembles a
ruler. There are really three types of slide rules. The first type is the most common one, the Mannheim.
This is basically a long stick with a movable centerpiece as well as a movable window, called the center
piece, to work out math problems.

The second type is the circular slide rule. These are virtually the same as the Mannheim, but bent around in
a circle. The cursor is a pair of radial arms that move around the center or origin. The advantage of a
circular slide rule is that you can fit a longer scale within a certain area.

The third type...

The Slide Rule

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