Charles Pickworth The Slide Rule

From the Introduction. The slide rule may be defined as an instrument for mechanically effecting calculations by logarithms. Those familiar with logarithms and their use will recognize that the slide rule provides what is in effect a concisely arranged table of logarithms, together with a simple and convenient means for adding and subtracting any selected values. Those, however, who have no acquaintance with logarithms will find that only an elementary knowledge of the subject is necessary to enable them to make full use of the slide rule. It is true that for simple slide-rule operations, as multiplication and division, a knowledge of logarithms is unnecessary; indeed, many who have no conscious understanding of logarithms make good use of the instrument....