How many of you know how to use a Sliderule?

1. 85

   Don Bobbittposted 9 years ago

   How many of you know how to use a Sliderule?
   
   I was digging through a box in my desk the other day and I came across an old Sliderule of mine. And, with there now being at least a couple of generations of electronic calculators and SmartPhones and the increased access to the web, I was just wondering if many of you even know what a SlideRule is, much less knows how to use one?
   
   

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2. 0

   Old Poolmanposted 9 years ago

   Actually I have one also and still know how to use it.  I took some engineering classes in college and slide rules were required.  Of course this was before the pocket calculators were even being sold.

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3. 67

   conradofontanillaposted 9 years ago

   I started learning to use the sliderule but stopped it when the pocket calculator came around.

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4. 69

   RBJ33posted 9 years ago

   No, I have no idea how to use one.  But, I sure remember all the engineers that carried them - some in their shirt pocket.  My wife recently found an old sliderule that belonged to her brother and sent it to him in Florida.  I know what they are but have no knowledge how to operate one.

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5. 88

   MizBejabbersposted 9 years ago

   I do, or at least I did. I haven't used one in so long that I've probably forgotten how. I started to minor in math in college, but by the time I went back to finish, everyone was using calculators. My college algebra professor said her 16-year-old daughter asked. "Mama, what's a sliderule?" Mr. B still has his left over from his early engineering days.

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   1. 85

      Don Bobbittposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I understand. I guess that except for the serious survivalist who worries about there being some kind of Armageddon and no electrical power in the world, they are of no us anymore.
      DON

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6. 58

   Homeplace Seriesposted 9 years ago

   My wife gave me one as a high school graduation present. Used it little. BUT, it had a nice leather case. I wrote each of our addresses on the flap... totaled 15 in 7 states. Got it out to share at out 50th wedding anniversary, a few years ago!! Thanks for asking! ;-)

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7. 65

   Tusitala Tomposted 9 years ago

   I don't know how to use a slide rule.  Saw then around many times.  Then again, I don't know how to use a Jepperson Computer, the round, flat gadget the airline pilots used to use way, way before computers to work out their flight plans.   
   
   Some wonderful gadgets to do calculations existed before the electronic devices became commonplace.   The skill most lost to us nowadays is 'mental arithmetic.'   Those were the days the shopkeeper would run his or her finger down a list of perhaps twenty items we'd bought at a store and then calculate the answer in their mind. 
   
   There are huge advantages to electronic calculators, but I believe it has made a lot of us mentally lazy.

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8. 90

   Rachel L Albaposted 9 years ago

   If  you're talking about an old fashion ruler, I do. lol  Is a slide rule the same thing?

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9. 85

   Don Bobbittposted 9 years ago

   Rachel- So funny. But, Sorry Girl, a slide rule is an instrument once used by Engineers to make mathematical calculations. But, knowing how to use a ruler is good too! LOL!
   Thanks for the read and the answer.
   DON

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10. 87

    PAINTDRIPSposted 9 years ago

    I have one and remember how to use it some.  My uncle was an engineer and gave it to me with a few instructions when I was just starting high school.  I've carried it with me for years and hardly ever use it or even pull it out anymore but I don't want to get rid of it for sentimental reasons.  Maybe I'll pass it on to my grandkids.

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