The University of Iowa

Department of Physics & Astronomy

Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

Analog calculator machine

slide rules

slide rules, case

slide ruler

Code Number: 1A50.40

Demo Title: Analog Calculator

Condition: Good

Principle: Calculations

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment:

Analog calculator machines, slide rules.

Procedure:

Show and tell the item you wish to discuss.

References:

Robert E. Chesley, "Pointed Remarks about a Slip-Shod Situation", TPT, Vol. 3, # 3, March 1965, p. 116.
Thomas B. Greenslade Jr., Picture and Notes in AJP, AJP, Vol. 71, #9, Sept. 2003, p. 902.
Corinne Iozzio, "How Smart Is Your AI?" Popular Science, Feb. 2015, p. 19.
Dave Prochnow, "Go Analog With a Resistance-Based Calculator", Popular Science, August 2014, p. 79.
Edwin Tacher, Keuffel & Esser Co., Directions for using Thacher's Calculating Instrument, 1914.
Gerardl'e Turner, "Nineteenth-Century Scientific Instruments", Drawings and Calculations, p. 289.
"Who Invented the Slide Rule", Science Supplement, How It Works, Spring 2001, p. 199.
"How to Use the Globemaster Plastic Slide Rule No., 62200".
Maurice L. Hartung, "How to Use Basic Slide Rules", Pickett Inc.

Disclaimer

These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.