Slide Rules : Their History, Models, And Makers [Paperback]

Peter M. Hopp (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1879335867 | ISBN-13: 978-1879335868 | Publication Date: May 1, 1999

Monumental in its scope and the wealth of detail it provides, this book is an invaluable reference on slide rules, their makers, manufacturers, and retailers. Covering the period from the instrument's invention in the early 17th century to the present day, this comprehensive treatise illuminates all aspects of slide rule design and production. The author includes a staggering amount of information, all cross-referenced, on slide rule models and their makers and manufacturers. In all, several thousand slide rule descriptions are catalogued. The book also includes: a history of the slide rule and the evolution of standard designs, biographies of some of the influential figures in slide rule design; approximately 500 world-wide patents, catalogued by year for dating purposes; descriptions of scales and gauge marks; a section on the care and restoration of slide rules; a glossary of terms used; 8 appendices and 18 tables of correlated information; a comprehensive bibliography. Here is an astonishing wealth of information. Collectors and historians alike will refer to it over and over again. 316 pages. 8-1/2 x 11. Illustrated. Soft cover.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A must-have reference book. -- The Gristmill

A valuable contribution to the slide rule collecting community. -- Journal of the Oughtred Society

This is an impressive compilation of information about this unique instrument. -- Antique Week

Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: Astragal Pr (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879335867
• ISBN-13: 978-1879335868
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,080,628 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary for the collector or would-be collector, August 26, 1999

By 

Richard Swisher (Northfield, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slide Rules : Their History, Models, And Makers (Paperback)

If you collect slide rules, or think you might want to do so, start here. It doesn't list price ranges, but a little time on Ebay and the numbers will appear. The book looks like a labor of love and one that will have many further editions.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth your money, February 4, 2007

By 

Vintage Collector (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slide Rules : Their History, Models, And Makers (Paperback)

I bought this book to help identify vintage slide rules and I was sorely disappointed. There are no pictures. There is little information what the rules look like, what they're made of, and when they were made. I recently picked up 30 rules from various manufacturers and many of them were not listed in the book. The book only provides date ranges rules were made, no specifics on determining the exact age. For a particular manufacturer, like Sun Hemmi, the book does NOT provide the simple method of determining rules made from 1950 on (the 2 letter code).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars too long list of makers, too short slide rule descriptions, November 9, 2006

By 

Piccoli Gregorio "gpiccoli" (Padova Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slide Rules : Their History, Models, And Makers (Paperback)

The book is a long list of slide rule makers and models, from 1600 to today.
There are short descriptions on slide rule technology at the begining of each section, but I expected a more detailed introduction and a shorter models and makers list.