Computers & Business Machines

• 

  Pickett Trig Slide Rule Instruction Manual

  Description

  This 64-page booklet was received with 1993.0559.01. Its citation information is: Maurice L. Hartung, How to Use . . . Trig Slide Rules (Chicago: Pickett & Eckel Inc., 1960). It sold separately for fifty cents. Hartung was the University of Chicago professor who was closely associated with Pickett & Eckel in the company's early years and who wrote several instruction manuals for the firm's slide rules.

  The booklet discusses slide rule operation, use of certain special scales, applications of trigonometry, and the principles underlying slide rules. Hartung focused on the operations of the instrument rather than on mathematical theory. There are problem sets at the end of each section, with answers in the back of the manual, and a few sets of "practical" (word) problems. Another copy of the booklet is scanned at http://sliderulemuseum.com/Manuals/M104_Pickett_HowToUseTrig_1960.pdf.

  Reference: "Maurice Leslie Hartung," Mathematics Genealogy Project, http://www.genealogy.math.ndsu.nodak.edu/id.php?id=7964. Hartung received a life achievement award from the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 1977, http://ictm.org/ictmawards/lifeachievement.html.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1960

  publisher

  Pickett Industries

  author

  Hartung, Maurice L.

  ID Number

  1993.0559.01.01

  accession number

  1993.0559

  catalog number

  1993.0559.01.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Keuffel & Esser 4070-3 Polyphase Duplex Trig Slide Rule

  Description

  This ten-inch mahogany duplex slide rule is coated with white celluloid and held together with metal endpieces that are significantly corroded. On one side, the base has DF, D, and L scales, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The top of the base is marked in faded red: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.; PATS. 2,500,460 2,168,056 2,170,144 PAT. PEND.; MADE IN U.S.A. The right end of the slide is marked in red: © (/) K + E; < 4070-3 >. On the other side, the base has K, A, D, and DI scales, with B, T, ST, and S scales on the slide. The left end of the slide has a serial number: 952594. The top and bottom of the base are both marked at the left end: 594. The indicator is glass with plastic edges; it is so corroded that it has fallen apart and is no longer on the rule.

  There is a green leather case with white inlays on the holder for the flap. The flap is marked: K + E. Inside the flap is written in ink: Jeffery (/) Smith (/) P 68. An orange chamois case holds a magnifier with two lenses and a metal frame. On one side, the frame is marked: K + E. On the other side, the frame is marked: PAT. NO. 2556806. A green cardboard box, missing one end, holds the rule, its case, the magnifier, and its case.

  For information on the patents on the rule, see 1993.0482.01 and 2007.0181.01. Paul E. Gaire of Manasquan, N.J., received a patent for the magnifier in 1951, replacing his earlier attempt at a magnifier, which could only be used on one side of a slide rule at a time. This double magnifier was first advertised in Keuffel & Esser's 1954 catalog and first pictured in the 1962 catalog; it sold for $5.50. K&E sold this version of the model 4070-3 slide rule from 1952 to 1962, at a price of $20.50.

  References: Paul E. Gaire, "Magnifying Runner for Slide Rules" (U.S. Patent 2,556,806 issued June 12, 1951); K + E Catalog, 42nd ed. (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., 1954), 276–277; Keuffel & Esser Co., Slide Rules, Catalog 8 (Hoboken, N.J., 1962), 29–30; Clark McCoy, ed., "K&E Catalogs and Price Lists for Slide Rules," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEmain.htm.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1954-1962

  maker

  Keuffel & Esser Co.

  ID Number

  1990.0317.03

  catalog number

  1990.0317.03

  accession number

  1990.0317

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Felsenthal FAE-15 Stadia Computer Circular Slide Rule

  Description

  This white plastic circular slide rule consists of a disc riveted to a square backing. The backing has a logarithmic scale of readings of a stadia rod used with a transit telescope, in feet. The disc has two logarithmic scales of angles. The first scale gives the difference in elevation of the transit and the stadia rod, in feet. It represents multiplying the stadia reading by 1/2 sin 2A, where A is the vertical angle of the transit telescope. The second scale finds the horizontal distance of the rod in feet and represents multiplying the stadia reading by the square of cos A. There is no indicator.

  The instrument is marked on the front: STADIA COMPUTER. The interior of the disc has DIRECTIONS FOR USE and a table providing the quantity to be added when a constant is used in measuring stadia. On the back, the rule is marked: 6675-664-4676 (/) CONTRACT NO. DSA 700-68-M-AF86 (/) FELSENTHAL INSTRUMENTS CO. (/) CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (/) 22040 (/) MFR'S PART NO. FAE-15. It has a blue plastic case with snaps and a holder for a label. This object was donated with a second, duplicate Felsenthal stadia computer, which was assigned the same catalog number.

  The instrument resembles Cox's Stadia Computer (see 1987.0221.01 and 1987.0221.02). Donor Ben Rau dated the object to 1968, which is consistent with the form of the company name on the instrument. For Felsenthal company history, see 1977.1141.01 and 1977.1141.02.

  References: Deborah J. Warner, “Browse by Maker: Felsenthal,” National Museum of American History Physical Sciences Collection: Navigation , http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/navigation/maker.cfm?makerid=173; accession file.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1968

  maker

  Felsenthal Instrument Co.

  ID Number

  1977.1141.41

  catalog number

  336425

  accession number

  1977.1141

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  System Wern ABC Circular Slide Rule

  Description

  This plastic circular slide rule has a square white base with a transparent disc and pointer pivoted atop it. The outermost scale runs from 5 degrees to 90 degrees (going counterclockwise). Inside this, still on the base, is a scale from 0 degrees to 85 degrees. Immediately inside this is a scale for converting from degrees to radians. Other scales are for multiplication, division (showing decimal points in results), conversion of metric and standard units, squares, cubes (and square roots and cube roots), logarithms, sines, tangents (and arc sines and arc tangents), and percentages. A scale of equal parts 20 centimeters long, divided to millimeters, runs across the top of the base.

  The device fits in a square black plastic envelope. Thie envelope also contains two sets of instructions on paper.

  The slide rule is on the design of the American-born Swedish engineer Carl Wern and his younger brothers George and Lars Wern, also Swedes. They licensed rights to manufacture their slide rule to IWA Rechenschieberfabrik in Germany.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1966

  maker

  IWA Rechenschieberfabrik

  ID Number

  2016.0133.01

  accession number

  2016.0133

  catalog number

  2016.0133.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Pickett N901-ES Simplex Slide Rule

  Description

  This aluminum slide rule is coated in "Eye Saver" yellow, as denoted by the model number. It is held together with aluminum braces; the indicator is nylon (also denoted by the model number) with three metal screws. The front of the rule has A, D, and L scales, with B, CI, and C scales on the slide. The scales are about ten inches long. The slide and the top of the rule are both marked: MODEL N901-ES (/) SIMPLEX (/) MATH RULE. The other end of the slide bears the Pickett logo and the mark: MADE IN U.S.A.

  The back of the rule has X and D* scales, with Y and C* scales on the slide. The top of the rule is marked: PICKETT, INC.; MODEL N901-ES; SIMPLEX MATH RULE. The bottom of the rule is marked: COPYRIGHT 1965; PICKETT, INC. SANTA BARBARA. CALIF.; MADE IN U.S.A.

  The rule fits in a black leather sheath. The sheath was received in a green, white, and black cardboard box. One end of the box is marked: PickETT (/) 901-ES (/) ELEMENTARY MATH. It also is marked: about this rule: (/) 10 scales are keyed to (/) new math. Aids under- (/) standing of addition, (/) subtraction, multiplica- (/) tion, division and Base 10 (/) relationships. Grade 3 up. The inside of the box top flips up for display. The box slides into a green, white, and black cardboard cover. The top and sides of the box cover are each marked: PickETT; ALL METAL (/) SLIDE (/) RULE.

  The box also contains a yellow paper slide rule guarantee and registration card. The object's serial number is A1216143. A 48-page instruction manual by Maurice L. Hartung is stored separately (1995.0126.02.01).

  The X and Y scales were used for addition and subtraction and were unique to Pickett. Donor Lawrence J. Kamm conjectured that Hartung, a mathematics professor at the University of Chicago, recommended they be added to this product. According to Kamm, Hartung encouraged company cofounder Ross Pickett to market its slide rules only to schoolchildren. In order to provide scientists and engineers with access to rules such as the Decimal Keeper (1995.0126.01), Kamm opened a mail-order business that distributed Pickett's products.

  References: Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: The Astragal Press, 1999), 209–210; Maurice L. Hartung, Complete, Semi-Programmed Teaching Instructions for the Use of Elementary Simplex Math Slide Rule (Santa Barbara, Calif.: Pickett, Inc., 1965); accession file; International Slide Rule Museum, "Pickett," http://sliderulemuseum.com/Pickett.htm.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  after 1965

  date received

  1995

  maker

  Pickett & Eckel, Incorporated

  ID Number

  1995.0126.02

  accession number

  1995.0126

  catalog number

  1995.0126.02

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Keuffel & Esser 4081-5 Log Log Decitrig Duplex Slide Rule

  Description

  This 20-inch mahogany slide rule is coated with white celluloid on both sides and held together with metal end pieces. A glass indicator has plastic edges held together with metal screws. . There are LL02, LL03, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on one side of the base, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The right end of the slide is marked in red: © (/) K + E. On the other side of the base, there are LL01, L, K, A, D, DI, and LL1 scales, with B, T, SRT, and S scales on the slide. The left end of the slide is marked: 450243. The left end of the top and the bottom of the base are both marked: 243. Keuffel & Esser used this arrangement of scales on this model from 1955 to 1962; the serial number suggests this example was made around 1958.

  The top edge of the rule is marked: PATS. PEND. MADE IN U.S.A. 4081-5 LOG LOG DUPLEX DECITRIG ® COPYRIGHT 1947 BY KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. PATS. 2,500,460 2,168,056 2,170,144 2,285,722 2,422,649. These patents were issued between 1939 and 1950. They dealt with the arrangement of scales on a slide rule, in particular so that the user could solve multistep problems without having to write down intermediate settings, and with the placement of a legend to make placing the decimal point easier.

  The rule slides into an orange leather case lined with chamois. The flap is marked: K + E. Inside the flap is written: PHIL (/) KRUPEN. In 1959, model 4081-5 sold with a leather case for $50.50. Compare to ten-inch versions of model 4081, MA.318482 and MA.334387.

  This slide rule was given to the Smithsonian in 1986 by the physicist Philip Krupen (1915–2001). Krupen received his BS from Brooklyn College in 1935, worked on the development of the proximity fuze during and after World War II, earned an MS in physics from The George Washington University, and spent a total of 38 years working for the U.S. government before his retirement in 1973.

  References: Carl M. Bernegau, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,168,056 issued August 1, 1939); Lyman M. Kells, Willis F. Kern, and James R. Bland, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,170,144 issued August 22, 1939); Lyman M. Kells, Willis F. Kern, and James R. Bland, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,285,722 issued June 9, 1942); James R. Bland, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,422,649 issued June 17, 1947); Herschel Hunt, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,500,460 issued March 14, 1950); Clark McCoy, "Collection of Pages from K&E Catalogs for the 4081-3 Family of Slide Rules: 4080-3 & 4081-3 Family Groups," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEModels/ke4081-3family.htm; Ed Chamberlain, "Estimating K&E Slide Rule Dates," 27 December 2000, http://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/ke/320-k+e_date2.jpg; K + E Price List, Applying to the 42nd Edition Catalog (Hoboken, N.J., 1959), 73; Dieter von Jezierski, Slide Rules: A Journey Through Three Centuries, trans. Rodger Shepherd (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2000), 71–75; "Philip Krupen," The Washington Post, February 23, 2001, B07.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1955-1962

  date received

  1986

  maker

  Keuffel & Esser Co.

  ID Number

  1986.0790.03

  accession number

  1986.0790

  catalog number

  1986.0790.03

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Pamphlet, How to Use Dual Base Log Log Slide Rules

  Description

  Pickett, Inc., was a slide rule manufacturer that started in Chicago in 1943, shifted most of its operations to Alhambra, Calif., in 1946, and moved to Santa Barbara, Calif., in 1964. Maurice L. Hartung, a mathematics professor at the University of Chicago, wrote several instruction manuals for the company, including How to Use Dual Base Log Log Slide Rules. This 93-page booklet was intended for use with Pickett models 2, 3, and 4. It contains sections on the general operation of a slide rule, the use of scales for trigonometry and roots, elementary vector methods, the use of logarithmic scales, practice problems, hyperbolic functions, and circular functions. Hartung also showed how the double T scales could solve side-angle-side triangle problems in one step. Model 600 was advertised at the back of the manual, and instructions for caring for Pickett slide rules were provided inside the back cover.

  Although Hartung wrote the manual in 1947, this printing was made after the company moved to Santa Barbara in 1964. Compare 1980.0097.05.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1965, 1947

  maker

  Hartung, Maurice L.

  ID Number

  1995.3023.06

  nonaccession number

  1995.3023

  catalog number

  1995.3023.06

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Keuffel & Esser Log Log Duplex Decitrig Slide Rule Documentation

  Description

  This green softcover instruction manual, advertising pamphlet for various pocket-sized Keuffel & Esser slide rules, and leaflet on "How to Take Care of Your Slide Rule" were received with 2007.0181.01. The citation information for the manual is: Lyman M. Kells, Willis F. Kern, and James R. Bland, Slide Rule Manual: Log Log Duplex Decitrig, 4th ed. (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., 1955). Kells, Kern, and Bland were all mathematics professors at the U.S. Naval Academy. The cover indicates that the manual is model "No. 68 2047 (/) OLD NO. 4187S," suggesting it was printed after 1962, when K&E changed all of its model numbers. The 125-page manual is designed for self-study and covers multiplication and division; proportion; squares, cubes, and roots; trigonometry; the log log scales; and logarithms and the slide rule. Answers to the exercises are in the back of the manual. See also 1987.0085.02.

  The pamphlet is marked with the motto: calculate wherever you circulate. It measures 2-1/4 X 8-1/4 inches and was copyrighted in 1960, 1962, and 1964. Information is provided for five-inch versions of K&E's Deci-Lon, Jet-log Jr., Polyphase Duplex Decitrig, Modern Polyphase, Polyphase, and Merchants slide rules. The leaflet is small (4 X 3 inches) and was copyrighted in 1944, 1949, 1958, and 1962. Users are to clean the slide rule only with a moistened cloth. Instructions are provided for adjusting and aligning the slide rule.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1964

  maker

  Keuffel & Esser Co.

  ID Number

  2007.0181.01.01

  accession number

  2007.0181

  catalog number

  2007.0181.01.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Keuffel & Esser 4081-3 Log Log Decitrig Duplex Slide Rule

  Description

  This ten-inch mahogany duplex slide rule is coated with white celluloid. There are LL02, LL03, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on one side of the base, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The right side of the slide is marked in red: © (/) K + E. On the other side of the base, there are LL01, L, K, A, D, DI, and LL1 scales, with B, T, SRT, and S scales on the slide. The left end of the slide is marked: 320858. The left end of the top and the bottom of the base are both marked: 858. The indicator is glass, with white plastic edges held together with metal screws. Keuffel & Esser used this arrangement of scales on this model from 1955 to 1962; the serial number suggests this example was made around 1957.

  The top edge of the rule is marked: PATS. PEND. MADE IN U.S.A. 4081-3 LOG LOG DUPLEX DECITRIG ® COPYRIGHT 1947 BY KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. PATS. 2,500,460 2,168,056 2,170,144 2,285,722 2,422,649. These patents were issued between 1939 and 1950. They dealt with the arrangement of scales on a slide rule, in particular so that the user could solve multistep problems without having to write down intermediate settings, and with the placement of a legend to make placing the decimal point easier.

  The Keuffel & Esser Company of New York donated this slide rule to the Smithsonian in 1961. In 1959, model 4081-3 sold for $22.50. Model 4081-3, the Log Log Duplex Decitrig, differs from model 4080-3, the Log Log Duplex Trig, in that the degrees on the trigonometric scales are divided into decimals instead of into minutes. Compare to 1992.0437.01 and 2007.0181.01.

  References: Carl M. Bernegau, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,168,056 issued August 1, 1939); Lyman M. Kells, Willis F. Kern, and James R. Bland, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,170,144 issued August 22, 1939); Lyman M. Kells, Willis F. Kern, and James R. Bland, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,285,722 issued June 9, 1942); James R. Bland, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,422,649 issued June 17, 1947); Herschel Hunt, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,500,460 issued March 14, 1950); Clark McCoy, "Collection of Pages from K&E Catalogs for the 4081-3 Family of Slide Rules: 4080-3 & 4081-3 Family Groups," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEModels/ke4081-3family.htm; Ed Chamberlain, "Estimating K&E Slide Rule Dates," 27 December 2000, http://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/ke/320-k+e_date2.jpg; K + E Price List, Applying to the 42nd Edition Catalog (Hoboken, N.J., 1959), 73.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1955-1962

  maker

  Keuffel & Esser Co.

  ID Number

  MA.318482

  catalog number

  318482

  accession number

  235479

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Otis King's Pocket Calculator Model L Cylindrical Slide Rule

  Description

  This six-inch cylindrical slide rule consists of a chromium-plated holder, a metal cylinder that slides into the holder, and a black metal tube that fits around and slides up and down on the cylinder. The telescoping rule is ten inches long when extended and equivalent to a rectangular slide rule 66 feet in length. Two short white lines on the tube and a black mark on the chrome cap at the end of the cylinder serve as the indicator. A paper spiral logarithmic scale is attached to the top half of the holder. A second, linear and logarithmic, paper scale is attached to the cylinder. The logarithmic scales are used to multiply and divide, and the linear scale is used to find logarithms.

  At the top of the cylinder is printed: PATENT No 183723. At the bottom of the cylinder is printed: OTIS KING'S POCKET CALCULATOR; SCALE No 430. The top of the scale on the holder is printed: SCALE No 429; COPYRIGHT. The bottom is printed: OTIS KING'S PATENT No 183723. The end of the holder is engraved: MADE IN (/) Y9481 (/) ENGLAND.

  Otis Carter Formby King invented this form of slide rule in 1921, and Carbic Limited of London, England, manufactured it until 1972. The serial number, Y9481, suggests a date about 1965–1969 for this example. A collector of computing devices donated it to the Smithsonian.

  See also 1987.0788.01 and 1989.3049.02. For documentation, see 1981.0922.10 and 1981.0922.11.

  References: Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 274, 281; Otis Carter Formby King, "Calculating Apparatus," (U.S. Patent 1,645,009 issued October 11, 1927); Richard F. Lyon, "Dating of the Otis King: An Alternative Theory Developed Through Use of the Internet," Journal of the Oughtred Society 7, no. 1 (1998): 33–38; Dick Lyon, "Otis King's Patent Calculator," http://www.svpal.org/~dickel/OK/OtisKing.html.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1965-1968

  maker

  Carbic Limited

  ID Number

  1981.0922.09

  catalog number

  1981.0922.09

  accession number

  1981.0922

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Russian Circular Slide Rule

  Description

  This circular slide rule is the size of a pocket watch. It has a metal band around the edge and glass cover on the front and back. Each side of the rule has a pointer pivoted at the center, with its motion controlled by a knob along the edge. On one side, the outer edge is divided logarithmically from 1 to 100 and the inner edge from 1 to 10. Rotating the pivot allows one to find squares and square roots of numbers. The other side has a spiral scale on the inside that runs from 1 to 54 and appears to allow one to find tangents on the outer edge. It appears to have a scale of sines on the outside. The marks are in Russian.

  A paper sheet of instructions accompanies the slide rule. The rule fits in a cardboard box.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1967

  ID Number

  2014.0136.01

  accession number

  2014.0136

  catalog number

  2014.0136.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Faber-Castell 111/54 Linear Slide Rule

  Description

  This white plastic German slide rule has a clear plastic cursor. Scales 25 cm. long are on the front of the base of the rule and on both sides of the slide. The slides on the rule are K, A, B, P, S, and T. Those on the slide are B, BI, CI and C on the front and LL1, LL2, and LL3 on the back. The beveled top edge has a scale of equal parts divided to tenths of a centimeter, 27 centimeters long. The front of the instrument has an L scale. The back has a set of tables of use in mathematics, mechanics, and electronics.

  The scale fits in a plastic case that is transparent on top and green on the bottom. Also included is a manual by Faber-Castell entitled "Anleitung Castell Praezisions-Rechenstaebe fuer Maschinen und Elektro-Ingenieure." This manual describes the Castell models 1/54, 4/54, 67/54 b, 67/54 R, 111/54, and 111/54 A. The only three of these with scales 25 cm. long are the 1/54, the 111/54, and the 111/54 A. None of the rules described in the booklet has a BI scale.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1965

  ID Number

  2014.0136.02

  accession number

  2014.0136

  catalog number

  2014.0136.02

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Keuffel & Esser 4053-3 Polyphase Mannheim Duplex Slide Rule

  Description

  This ten-inch one-sided wooden slide rule is coated with white celluloid. The indicator is glass with white plastic edges attached by metal screws. The base has A, D, and K scales. The slide has B, CI, and C scales on one side of the slide and S, L, and T scales on the other side. The top and bottom edges are beveled; the top has a simply divided scale 10 inches long and divided to sixteenths of an inch, while the bottom has a simply divided scale 25 centimeters long and divided to millimeters.

  The left end of the slide has the model number in red: 4053-3. The right end is marked in red: © (/) K+E. The left end of the back of the slide has a serial number: 169518. Underneath the slide is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.; MADE IN U.S.A. Engraved directly on the back of the rule are tables of measures labeled: CONVERSION FACTORS. Centered underneath the tables is: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.

  Keuffel & Esser made slide rules of this type from 1909 to 1967. McCoy notes that this version of model 4053-3 (with this model number and the engraved tables) was introduced in 1954. In 1959, the rule sold in a plain case for $13.50. In 1962, model number 4053-3 was changed to 68-1622. The serial number suggests a date closer to the late 1950s than to the early 1960s. Compare to the earlier rule, 1981.0933.05.

  References: Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 192; Clark McCoy, "Collection of Pages from K&E Catalogs for the 4053 Family of Slide Rules," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEModels/ke4053family.htm; K+E Catalog, 42nd ed. (New York, 1954), 271; Ed Chamberlain, "Estimating K&E Slide Rule Dates," http://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/ke/320-k+e_date2.jpg; Eric Marcotte, "The Evolution of a Slide Rule – The K&E 4053-3," http://www.sliderule.ca/4053.htm.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1954-1962

  maker

  Keuffel & Esser Co.

  ID Number

  1981.0922.08

  accession number

  1981.0922

  catalog number

  1981.0922.08

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Controller Circular Slide Rule for Canadair

  Description

  This aluminum circular slide rule has a D scale on the base and C, CI, and A scales on the rotating disc. (These scales are not marked with letters.) Parts of the D and C scales are shaded in blue and yellow, and the CI scale is printed in red. A clear plastic rotating indicator is fastened with an aluminum screw and nut. The center of the rotating disc is marked: CONTROLLER, and a black arrow indicates the origin point.

  The back of the instrument has a ruler around the serrated edge, marked by single centimeters from 0 to 20. Between the numbers 0 and 20 is marked DBGM, which stands for "Deutsches Bundes Gebrauchsmuster," or German Federal Registered Design. This indicates the device was made in West Germany after 1949. Inside the ruler is a chart shaped like a wheel, for making conversions between various weights and measures. The center is marked: MADE IN GERMANY (/) © (/) CONTROLLER (/) MÜNCHEN 15. Controller manufactured a few types of circular slide rules in Munich in the second half of the 20th century. This instrument most closely resembles Controller's model Mod 75 R.

  The slide rule fits in a round, dark blue plastic sleeve. The sleeve is marked: C-L (/) CANADAIR LIMITED. The instrument was probably distributed as a promotional item by Canadair, an aircraft manufacturer established in 1944 that was the Canadian subsidiary of General Dynamics from 1954 to 1976, when it was nationalized. The company was acquired by Bombardier Inc. in 1986. The slide rule was probably made around 1960.

  References: Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 154; "Herman van Herwijnen's Slide Rule Catalogue at ISRM – C," http://sliderulemuseum.com/HSRC/SRC_C.htm; James Marsh, "Canadair Ltd.," The Canadian Encyclopedia, http://thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/canadair-ltd.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1960

  maker

  Controller

  ID Number

  1985.0788.01

  accession number

  1985.0788

  catalog number

  1985.0788.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Instruction Manual for Keuffel & Esser Polyphase Duplex Pocket Slide Rule

  Description

  This 70-page booklet was received with 1993.0357.01. The book explains how to operate model 68–1555, which was model 4168 before 1962. Its citation information is: Keuffel & Esser Polyphase Duplex Pocket Slide Rule . . . Instruction Manual, 2nd ed. (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., 1947). Presumably only the cover and illustration of the slide rule were updated in the 1960s. Topics covered include: multiplication and division, proportion, squares and square roots and cubes and cube roots, and plane trigonometry. Answers are provided at the back.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1960s

  maker

  Keuffel & Esser Co.

  ID Number

  1993.0357.01.01

  accession number

  1993.0357

  catalog number

  1993.0357.01.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Concise Model 28 Circular Slide Rule

  Description

  This white plastic circular slide rule was made by Concise Company, Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan, for Pan American Airlines. The base has a D scale, and there are C, CI, A, and K scales on a disc that rotates atop the base. A clear plastic indicator is pivoted at the center. The center of the rotating disc is marked: CIRCULAR CONCISE SLIDE RULE (/) NO. 28 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.

  The back of the object is light blue with a white logo of a globe and is marked: WORLD'S LARGEST AIR CARGO CARRIER (/) PAN AM (/) WORLD'S MOST EXPERIENCED AIRLINE. The instrument was received with a clear plastic sleeve, a black vinyl case, and an undated instruction manual. The case is marked: Concise (/) No. 28. In 1963, the rule was advertised as "a revolutionary new design concept."

  Concise has specialized in circular slide rules, particularly for promotional distribution by other companies, since its founding in 1949. The company operated under the name Concise Co., Ltd., which appears on the instruction manual, from 1959 to 1966, hence the rough date assigned this slide rule. The donor, industrial engineer Richard Freeze, reported that he received the item as a promotional item distributed at a conference. For other Pan American promotional slide rules, see 1996.3029.01 and 1996.3029.02. For other slide rules by Concise, see 1985.0636.02, 1996.0141.01, and 2006.0173.01.

  References: "Concise Corporate History," http://www.concise.co.jp/eng0731/history.html; Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 105; advertisement, Civil Engineering 33 (February 1963): 84; accession file.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1959-1966

  distributor

  Pan American Airlines

  maker

  Concise

  ID Number

  2003.0012.01

  accession number

  2003.0012

  catalog number

  2003.0012.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Instructions for Pickett Student Slide Rules

  Description

  Maurice L. Hartung, associate professor of the teaching of mathematics at the University of Chicago, wrote this sixteen-page pamphlet, How to Use Basic Slide Rules in 3 Easy Steps for Pickett & Eckel, a slide rule manufacturer established in Chicago in the late 1940s. Hartung advocated for the adoption of Pickett slide rules in schools, and he wrote several instruction manuals that the company reprinted and distributed through the 1960s.

  The pamphlet uses drawings of slide rules and numerous "call-out" text boxes to explain how students could use the instrument's C and D scales to multiply and divide. The second part of the pamphlet explains the CI scale ("I" stands for "inverse"), provides instructions for finding squares and square roots with the A and B scales, and discusses the role of the K scale in finding cubes and cube roots. The third and final section of the pamphlet addresses logarithmic and trigonometric functions, which were found with the L, S, and T scales.

  This copy was packaged with 1991.0445.02; of the scales explained in the instructions, this instrument lacked only the S and T scales for sines and tangents. If sold separately, the booklet would have cost 35 cents. The back of the pamphlet is marked: Pickett Inc.; Chicago 5 • SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA. It is also marked: Form M-20. The location and name of the company suggest the pamphlet was printed after 1964.

  Reference: International Slide Rule Museum, "Pickett All-Metal Slide Rules," http://sliderulemuseum.com/SR_Dates.htm#Pickett. This site provides a scan of another copy of this pamphlet, http://sliderulemuseum.com/Manuals/M52_Pickett_HowToUseSR_3EasySteps_FormM-20.pdf.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  after 1964

  publisher

  Pickett Industries

  author

  Hartung, Maurice L.

  ID Number

  1991.0445.02.01

  accession number

  1991.0445

  catalog number

  1991.0445.02.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Pickett N515-T Duplex Slide Rule for Electronics

  Description

  This ten-inch white aluminum linear slide rule has a nylon cursor. (The N in the model number is for "nylon," and the T denotes the rule's "traditional" white color.) The rule is held together with stamped aluminum contoured posts. The front of the base has (Lr) H, (fx)2Π, A, D, L, and Ln scales. The front of the slide has (Cr) B, S, T, CI, and C scales. The left end of the slide is marked (facing vertically): ELECTRONIC (/) MODEL N-515-T. A gray Pickett logo in the style used between 1958 and 1962 is at the right end. The number 349 is printed above the logo.

  The back of the rule contains various formulae relating to electronics, such as temperature conversion, Ohm's Law for AC and DC circuits, parallel resistance, coupled inductance, and efficiency. Short (approximately 2.5 inches) scales on the slide are used with the reactance and resonance decimal point located at the left end of the rule. A logo at the right end of the slide has an i superimposed on a C, superimposed on a book, superimposed on an atom. The number 340 is to the right of the logo and above a registered trademark symbol.

  There is a red-orange leather case lined in gray plastic. A faded Pickett logo in the style used between 1958 and 1962 is below the slot for the flap. The front of the case is also stamped: CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONICS and has a yellow label marked: URIE. The back of the case has a metal ring, leather strap, and metal clasp for attaching to a belt.

  The lower right corner of the back of the rule is marked: CLEVELAND INSTITUTE (/) OF ELECTRONICS (/) CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114 (/) PATENT NO. 3,120,342 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. The Cleveland Institute of Electronics worked with Pickett & Eckel, Inc., to develop this slide rule. In 1958, Darrell L. Geiger, an instructor at the Cleveland Institute, applied for a patent for a slide rule useful in calculations relating to electronics. Patent 3,120,342 was granted in 1964 and incorporated into the Pickett Model N-515 slide rule. Since the logo on the instrument was only used until 1962, it seems likely that this rule was made soon after the patent was issued.

  Geiger wrote about a dozen instructional booklets on electronics and elementary mathematics in the 1950s and 1960s. The Cleveland Institute, a distance education institution, utilized programmed learning in the 1950s.

  References: Darrell L. Geiger, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 3,120,342 issued February 4, 1964); Darrell L. Geiger, Electronics and Your Slide Rule (Cleveland, Ohio: Cleveland Institute of Electronics, 1962); Rodger Shepherd, "Pickett Metal Slide Rules," Journal of the Oughtred Society 1, no. 1 (1992): 5–8; Brian Borchers, "Five Pickett Electronics Slide Rules," Journal of the Oughtred Society 11, no. 2 (2002): 4–7; Cleveland Institute of Electronics, "New . . . Electronics Slide Rule with Four-Lesson Auto-Programmed Instruction Course," (Cleveland, Ohio, [1969]), http://sliderulemuseum.com/Pickett/Pickett_N515-T_Electronic_CIE_Pamphlet.pdf.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1964

  maker

  Pickett & Eckel, Incorporated

  ID Number

  1990.0154.01

  accession number

  1990.0154

  catalog number

  1990.0154.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Documentation Relating to GIW Hydraulic Slide Rule

  Description

  In the mid-twentieth century, engineers designing slide rules often carried out extensive calculations by hand. The documentation for the Georgia Iron Works hydraulic slide rule (2009.0100.01) includes numerous pages of such calculations, as well as four blueprints showing the design of the rule. Correspondence between Danforth W. Hagler, who designed the slide rule, and officials of Pickett & Eckel Company, the manufacturer, is also included. The letters and drawings are dated 1961.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1961

  maker

  Georgia Iron Works Co.

  ID Number

  2009.0100.04

  accession number

  2009.0100

  catalog number

  2009.0100.04

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Pickett N1010-T Duplex Slide Rule

  Description

  This ten-inch aluminum linear slide rule is coated with white plastic (the "traditional" color). It has a nylon indicator and is held together with stamped aluminum squared posts. The front of the base has K, A, D, and DI scales, with B, ST, T, S, and C scales on the slide. The left end of the slide is marked: MODEL (/) N1010-T (/) TRIG. The right end of the slide bears the style of Pickett logo used between 1958 and 1962. The number 74 appears above the logo.

  The back of the base has DF, D, DI, and L scales, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The left end of the slide is marked: COPYRIGHT 1959 © (/) PATENT APPLIED FOR. The right end of the slide is marked: PICKETT & ECKEL, INC. (/) 272.

  The slide rule fits into a clear plastic bag and then into an orange-brown leather case lined in clear plastic. The triangular Pickett logo is embossed below the slot for the case's flap, and there is a metal ring on the back of the case for attaching to a belt. The slide rule arrived in a white, black, red, and yellow cardboard box. The 1958-1962 Pickett logo is superimposed on a model of the atom on the box. The top and bottom of the box are marked with several of the instrument's selling points: lifetime accuracy, all metal permanence; select a handy pocket size rule too (/) matched for your convenience by Pickett; micro divided scales; world's most accurate; safety liner case; completely guaranteed; complete instruction manual; slider tension springs.

  Inside the box are four pieces of paper: a welcome note from company president John W. Pickett, marked Form 247; care instructions for the rule, marked Form 543; a guarantee, which indicates this instrument has serial number 252372; and a promotional flyer on Pickett's "eye-saver" yellow color, marked Form 225-A. See 1993.0559.01.01 for an instruction manual received in the box. One end of the box is marked: Pickett SLIDE RULE (/) all metal • guaranteed (/) A PRODUCT OF AMERICAN ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING. The other end of the box has a product label, which notes the Model N-1010-T Trig Slide Rule has the: Approved Scale Arrangement for basic work in all fields (Schools, Business, Industry) where Log Log scales are not needed.

  The logo, nylon indicator with flat lens, straight style of posts, and company addresses in Chicago and Alhambra, Calif., are all consistent with a date around 1960. However, according to the donor, the slide rule was given to him by his parents as a Christmas gift in 1944.

  References: Alan Boardman, "Recollections of a Pickett Industries Employee," Journal of the Oughtred Society 16, no. 2 (2007): 8; Walter Shawlee, "Pickett Slide Rules," http://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/pickett.html; Dieter von Jezierski, Slide Rules: A Journey Through Three Centuries, trans. Rodger Shepherd (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2000), 75–76.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1960

  maker

  Pickett & Eckel, Incorporated

  ID Number

  1993.0559.01

  accession number

  1993.0559

  catalog number

  1993.0559.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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