My first job out of college, I was given by the company a mechanical calculator. It could multiply and divide two numbers. It worked by repeated addition or subtraction. I used it to check the results of our IBM 360/65…
The instrument which helped build the U.S. Bridges and skyscrapers. People into space. You name it. If it was done before the advent of computers, the calculations were done using a slide rule. My father used his for very complex calculations until he retired in 1987.
I began pursuing my BS in electrical engineering in 1971 – mine was the last freshman class to be taught how to use slide rules. The HP35 happened and that was that.
RAGs almost 2 years ago
As with most things, you just need to know what you are doing.
Say What Now‽ Premium Member almost 2 years ago
About a year after I learned to use a slide ruler, I got a Texas Instrument calculator.
The Reader Premium Member almost 2 years ago
One slide to rule them all.
RonnieAThompson Premium Member almost 2 years ago
My older brother used a slide rule in college. Years later I used the same slide rule when I went to college. I returned it to him some years ago.
jimsr almost 2 years ago
I sTill have mine from physics in college 50+ years ago. A Post “Versalog.” never used it after college though.
Alberta Oil Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Never ever figured out how to use one. Fortunately calculators were invented about the same time I was struggling with a slide rule..
Jimmyk939 almost 2 years ago
My younger brother was a wiz with a slide rule. I used it as a fly swatter
Ken Norris Premium Member almost 2 years ago
My first job out of college, I was given by the company a mechanical calculator. It could multiply and divide two numbers. It worked by repeated addition or subtraction. I used it to check the results of our IBM 360/65…
mourdac Premium Member almost 2 years ago
The instrument which helped build the U.S. Bridges and skyscrapers. People into space. You name it. If it was done before the advent of computers, the calculations were done using a slide rule. My father used his for very complex calculations until he retired in 1987.
MartinPerry1 almost 2 years ago
My, isn’t this a stroll down memory lane. I’m just going to say that the kid now has a chance to explore the world of logarithms. Fascinating stuff.
HappyDog/ᵀʳʸ ᴮᵒᶻᵒ ⁴ ᵗʰᵉ ᶠᵘⁿ ᵒᶠ ᶦᵗ Premium Member almost 2 years ago
And Junior, the really cool part is you can hang it from your belt and impress your schoolmates!
Steve Parmelee Premium Member almost 2 years ago
I began pursuing my BS in electrical engineering in 1971 – mine was the last freshman class to be taught how to use slide rules. The HP35 happened and that was that.
JP Steve Premium Member almost 2 years ago
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”…..Clarke’s third law