Lesson 1 Objectives

When you complete this lesson you will be able to:

• Know the history and origins of the slide rule,
• comprehend the basic principle of operation of slide rules,
• recognize the scales and their function in a slide rule,
• compute operations using an engineering slide rule.

Sections

Select a reading section below. The reading page has a link to return to the lesson page.

1. A brief history of slide rules
2. Principles of operation of slide rules
3. Slide Rule Terminology
4. Basic Calculations
5. Advanced Calculations

Bibliography

• ALL ABOUT SLIDE RULES. Compiled by Richard Davis and Ted Hume from an original design by Bob Koppany. The Oughtred Society. Roseville, California 2012.

Lecture 1 Video

Watch the lecture video below. You may need a notebook to take notes while I explain the material.

• Watch Lecture 1, Part 1
• Watch Lecture 1, Part 2

Websites and supporting documents

Feel free to visit the list of resources provided below. There are some documents that you can download for later reading.

• A very neat virtual slide rule
• The Oughtred Society
• International Slide Rule Museum
• Slide Rule Universe