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But Where's the Reset Button?!?
Robert H. gets an analog no-prize for bringing us a new "virtual" slide rule. Those who, like me, always thought it was a goofy looking toy should consult the instructions. Far as I know, my dad's generation was the last to take slide rules seriously, and even then he tells stories about giving instructors ulcers by asking, "why do we have to learn to do this when a computer will do it better and faster?"
My physics professor swore by slide rules, and once told us he could make calculations faster on a slide rule than any student can on a calculator.
He didn't appreciate it when I pointed out that it takes years to learn how to work a slide rule that quickly, but only minutes to learn to use a calculator. He appreciated it even less when one of the "slower" students, who had worked as an accountant at a bank, easily handed him his ass in an impromptu "calculator vs. slide rule" competition.
Slide rules are handy when there's no electricty (like in the aftermath of a hurricane) and you don't have a battery operated or solar calculator
Posted by: Kathy K on June 1, 2006 05:26 PMBut during that time, wouldn't you think one would have more important things to do than math problems? And that those who really, really needed to do math would somehow have access?
Please don't get me wrong, I'm a very firm believer in making people do the calculations by hand until they completely understand the theory - and then only letting calculators be used when the method used to answer the problem is more important than the math involved (like physics, chemistry, #$%^&@$ population genetics, etc.). And then, the slide rule is kinda like people recreating* medieval or dark age villages - cute to look at, but basically useless, no?
*I think this word needs a dash, but dashes are filter unapproved...