Keuffel & Esser N4058-W Beginner's Simplex Slide Rule

Description:

This ten-inch wooden linear slide rule is painted white. The indicator is frameless plastic. The base has A, D, and K scales. The slide has B, CI, and C scales on one side and S, L, and T scales on the other side. The back of the rule is printed with a table of equivalents and abbreviations, based on National Bureau of Standards Circular No. 47. Compare to 1984.1068.01. The back is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.; BEGINNER'S SLIDE RULE. N4058W; MADE IN U. S. A. There is no serial number. The case is green leatherette and is marked: K+E.

In 1897, Keuffel & Esser began to sell a slide rule for students. It was constructed inexpensively and was intended to be replaced once students had mastered the basic operations. The version with this model number and these scales was offered between 1944 and 1959, although the all-plastic indicator was not introduced until 1954. Model N4058W sold for $2.50 in 1959. Longtime NMAH staff member Barbara Coffee donated this example to the Smithsonian.

Reference: Clark McCoy, "Collection of Pages from K&E Catalogs for the 4058 Family," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEModels/ke4058family.htm.

Date Made: 1954-1959

Maker: Keuffel & Esser Co.

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New Jersey, Hoboken

Subject: Rule, CalculatingMathematics

Subject:

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

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Barbara J. Coffee

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1987.0184.01Accession Number: 1987.0184Catalog Number: 1987.0184.01

Object Name: slide rule

Physical Description: plastic (cursor material)wood (overall material)fabric (case material)Measurements: overall: 1.1 cm x 29.3 cm x 5.2 cm; 7/16 in x 11 17/32 in x 2 1/16 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-8f2f-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1214624

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.