This document is not intended as slide rule manual or slide rule
tutorial. It assumes that you already know what a slide rule is and how to use
it. See list of references
below for good introduction and examples.
This page is under developement (and, hopefuly, always will be).
Informations on recent changes and contributions can be found on
What's new page.
This document is a collection of slide rule algorithms.
I am trying to collect
all simple algorithms used to solve practical propblems that make use of
I am also interested in other algorithms that are specific for slide rule or
that allow slide rule specific shortcuts to solve certain "standard" problems.
Some manufacturers experimented with alternative scale designs and scale
layouts. These experiments sometimes resulted in new ways to perform old things
better. These new ways should not be forgotten and I am trying to collect and
describe them too.
Sometimes described algorithms use uncommon scales (like BI scale) or
exotic scale layouts (like trig scales both on slide and stock) or
both. If you do not have appropriate rule you may wish to
try my virtual slide rule. It allows you to
choose scales and layouts in vast
variety. Scales are provided in low resolution and intended not
for precise calculation but rather to get feeling of the desired layout.
If icon is inserted in the
algorithm description, then by clicking on this icon you will get a slide rule
with all scales needed for the described algorithm.
If frame with slide rule is present, then emulator will create new slide
rule in this frame (and remove any old slide rule that was there). If the frame
was removed, then virtual slide rule will be created in a separate new window.
If at some point you wish to get rid of this
frame click
deframe link located of the bottom of each page on this site.
Circular slide rules
Here is different emulator for circular slide rule КЛ-1
and other.
Slide rule and art
Like many other neat things slide rules always inspired writers, poets,
dancers, singers (I guess) and artists. You may see some of the works of art at
Slide rule art page.