RE: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] beginner slide rule wanted

[Mike Miller <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

On Wed, 2 Jul 2003, Matthew Ross wrote:

> > Really?  Isn't it slower and less accurate than a handheld calculator?
> > It wouldn't scare me much!
>
> The slide rule is a glorified multiplication table, log table, exponent
> table, etc. The bulk of the calculations are done in your head, and the
> only interaction with the slide rule is to get a number when one doesn't
> readily pop from your head. Someone good with a slide rule (not me) will
> not only be as fast or faster than a calculator user, but will have much
> more developed math skills, as the device isn't taking over the
> fundamental algebraic or arithmetic tasks (unless you choose to use the
> multiply or divide rule, which would be silly).

Believe it or not, I used the slide rule often for several years from 7th
grade until 11th grade.  In 11th grade (1974-1975) the price of good
calculators came down enough that I could buy one with all the neat stuff,
even trig functions, for $125, down from $179.  It was my biggest purchase
by that age.  It amazed all of my friends -- how could it compute eight
significant digits almost instantly?  It was called the "Sears Electronic
Slide Rule".  All the other kids were stuck with slide rules, but I had
more advanced technology.  I think I put down my slide rule after buying
that calculator and I never looked back.

I suppose it is possible for some people to compute more quickly using a
slide rule than using an electronic calculator.  It might also be possible
for some people to do addition quicker using an abacus than using a
numeric keypad.  It certainly isn't true for most people though.  That's
why Jon King is finding it hard to find a slide rule -- they are
practically extinct and justifiably so!

Mike
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