Know How To Use a Slide Rule? 388
high_rolla writes "How many of you have actually used a slide rule? The slide rule was a simple yet powerful and important tool for engineers and scientists before the days of calculators (let alone PCs). In fact, several people I know still prefer to use them. In the interest of preserving this icon we have created a virtual slide rule for you to play with." Wikipedia lists seven other online simulations.
I learned how to use my slide rule... (Score:5, Funny)
At least (Score:5, Funny)
Nuclear slide rule. (Score:5, Funny)
Pheh, youngsters. (Score:4, Funny)
Around here (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Of course (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Of course (Score:2, Funny)
nerd phallus (Score:5, Funny)
Re:At least (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Of course (Score:1, Funny)
Do you hear that sound? (Score:3, Funny)
For some reason, I'm hearing banjo music...
I did not need that visual.
Re:I learned how to use my slide rule... (Score:4, Funny)
And if this one could be with you, what a wonderful world this would be.
Re:At least (Score:3, Funny)
I HATE THE SLIDE RULE. (Score:1, Funny)
So much more complicated than a fucking calculator.
But my Trig teacher INSISTED on slide rules becaUse of something about factors LOL.
I was like that is so old.
So I like failed Trig completely.
ALL SLIDE RULES ARE GOING TO HELL!
I'd rather have my TI-30 anyday!
How do people learn to use them so easily, anyway?
Re:I learned how to use my slide rule... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Hooray for progress (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Of course (Score:5, Funny)
I was in the last class in my high school that learned how to use a slide rule. I was in the first class in my college where owning a scientific calculator was required for entry.
As a freshman my Econ professor asked the class if anyone with a calculator would do a division for him. I was carrying an inexpensive plastic slide rule in my back pack. I did the division and said the answer. As he turned to thank me he did a double take and said "What is this?" taking the slide rule from me and holding it up. I said "Its new, a solar powered calculator that never needs batteries." "What will they think of next?" he pretended to marvel.
The point of that whole story is that about 15 people probably had pulled out a calculator and started to do the division and I was able to beat all of them by several seconds.
Re:Of course (Score:3, Funny)
Student: "May I borrow your calculator?"
Me: "Sure. Here."
Student searches in vain for any operational familiarity.
Student: "Ummm, no thanks."