Dietzgen 1767 National Simplex Slide Rule

Description:

In the 1950s, several manufacturers sold inexpensive plastic slide rules for use by students. This one-sided, ten-inch example, sold by the Chicago firm of Dietzgen has K, S, A, D, T, and L scales on the base. B, CI, and C scales are on the slide. The rule has a clear plastic frameless indicator with a hairline and black plastic endpieces. The top right corner of the base is marked: NATIONAL. Both ends of the slide are marked: DIETZGEN (/) NO. 1767. Both ends of the bottom of the base are marked: MADE (/) IN (/) U. S. A. A cream-colored synthetic leather case is marked: R. LAWSE. The rule was received with an instruction manual, 1988.0367.02.

According to Peter Hopp and Bruce Babcock, Dietzgen manufactured model 1767 from 1955 to 1959. An earlier version of the National, the 1767P, had a different set of scales. It was manufactured from 1941 to 1952 and sold in 1952 for $1.75 or $18.25 for a dozen.

References: Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 160; Bruce Babcock, "Dietzgen Catalog Matrix," Journal of the Oughtred Society 5, no. 2 (1996), http://sliderulemuseum.com/Manuals/Dietzgen_CatalogMatrix_BruceBabcock1996_chart.jpg.

Date Made: 1955-1959

Maker: Eugene Dietzgen Company

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Illinois, Chicago

Subject: MathematicsRule, Calculating

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Science & Mathematics, Slide Rules

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Robert L. Lawse

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1988.0367.01Accession Number: 1988.0367Catalog Number: 1988.0367.01

Object Name: slide rule

Physical Description: plastic (overall material)Measurements: overall: 1 cm x 12.9 cm x 7.2 cm; 13/32 in x 5 3/32 in x 2 27/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-97b0-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1214515

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