The slide rule

Look at the scales. So intimidating.

The slide rule is one ruler I never got to know how to use. I do know the slide rule has many important functions to complement the Arty Board and plotting issues. It is an alternative plotting and computing tool in the command post. My TAMA Sgt is an expert on it (I think ) although I suspect he did not do well in mathematics while in school.

I used the slide rule to draw lines.

The slide rule is primarily an instrument used by architects, engineers and mathematicians for multiplications/division, factorings and such like computations. The slide rule is a scale for logsrithmic scales. The slide rue is used to double check on the Bty position, interpolations, angle of sights, crest clearance etc etc. Hey I never got to use it so I cannot imagine what else we can do with the slide rule in the command post. My TAMA Sgt always carries it with him and he had never once contradicted my plottings in the Arty Board/ Fire control plotter.

Is the slide rule still being used? now that we have sophisicated calculators?  I remember using the programmable HP calculator. The state of the art instrument in the 1980s. But then there is no harm going back to basics with mechanical instruments like the formidable slide rule.

Allen Lai