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The Slide Rule and Its Use in Teaching Logarithms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2016

C. S. Jackson*
Affiliation:
R. M. Academy, Woolwich

Extract

I should like at the outset to disclaim any intention of laying down the law dogmatically. The opinions expressed are stated definitely, but they are submitted with deference for your consideration.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1903

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References

page note 331 * A couple of wooden slips with figures stencilled on them were used for this and subsequent illustrations. Better than stencils are the indiarubber figures and letters sold for printing shop window tickets. I am indebted to Mr. J. H. Naylor, R.M. Academy, for this ‘tip,’ most useful when diagrams are often wanted.

page note 332 * Note that if we invert one of the adding scales we get the SUM of corresponding numbers constant, and if we invert one of the multiplying scales we get the PRODUCT of corresponding numbers constant.

page note 334 * Shanks’s table of powers of 2 is fairly accessible.

page note 335 * Mach., Science of Mechanics, p. 488, urges this point very forcibly.

page note 336 * Such diagrams are given in Byerley, “Fourier Series,” p. 63; or Merriman & Woodward, Higher Mathematics (article by Professor Byerley), p. 19.

page note 334 † Of course “It’s near enough” is a conclusion pupils need no encouragement to adopt. But do not let us teach accuraoy by inaccuracy. There are occasions when 7 or even 10 figure logarithms are called for; geodesic surveys furnish plenty of instances; but do not let us bring in 7 figure logarithms ‘nisi dignus vindice nodus incident.’