NOT OT Slide Rules
 

I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.

Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
...
>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>
> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.

I've never even used a slide rule! I don't even know what they are really.
I think my dad had one though.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
>
> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
> ...
>>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
>> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
>> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
>> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
>> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>>
>> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
>> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
>
> I've never even used a slide rule! I don't even know what they are
> really. I think my dad had one though.

I think it is the foreunner of a calculator but I might be wrong:)
--
--
https://www.shop.helpforheroes.org.uk/

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"Ophelia" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
>> ...
>>>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
>>> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
>>> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
>>> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
>>> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>>>
>>> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
>>> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
>>
>> I've never even used a slide rule! I don't even know what they are
>> really. I think my dad had one though.
>
> I think it is the foreunner of a calculator but I might be wrong:)

Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators came out. They
were very expensive. We were never allowed to have them in school. These
days they are a requirement.

My first calculator was a solar one. It required very strong light to use
it. Bought another one a couple of years later that works even in dim
light. I still have it but it's starting to look decrepit. Still works
though.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Ophelia" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>>
>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
>>>> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
>>>> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
>>>> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
>>>> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>>>>
>>>> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
>>>> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
>>>
>>> I've never even used a slide rule! I don't even know what they are
>>> really. I think my dad had one though.
>>
>> I think it is the foreunner of a calculator but I might be wrong:)
>
> Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators came out.
> They were very expensive. We were never allowed to have them in school.
> These days they are a requirement.
>
> My first calculator was a solar one. It required very strong light to use
> it. Bought another one a couple of years later that works even in dim
> light. I still have it but it's starting to look decrepit. Still works
> though.

I just use the one on my computer:)
--
--
https://www.shop.helpforheroes.org.uk/

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

NOYDB wrote on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:26:28 -0400:

> I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original
> proportion ( set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5,
> whatever ) then read the new quantity directly under the
> original quantity. Sometimes there's a problem in measuring
> the new quantity exactly though.

> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm
> just an old geek. I started using a sliderule studying
> electronics in the '70's.

I remember first enthusiastically coming across a slide rule at the age
of 10. My father taught me some of the more simple usages and I still
have a collection of the things both straight and circular. However, I
usually still rely on mental arithmetic to adjust recipes even if I have
several calculators lying around the house. One of them is even light
powered.

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On 2010-10-19, NOYDB <ljlameres> wrote:

> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.

I used one in junior high and early high school, but hadda take a short
remedial class every year cuz, despite understanding the basic
concept, I could never remember which scales to use for which purpose.
When I studied electronics (correspondence course) in the service,
calulators where still prohibitively expensive. Four hundred dollars
for a four function LED calculator, the kind you now get practically
free in a box of cereal! So, being pretty good at math, I did it the
hard way, on paper. Hadda learn to find square root by long division.
Haven't even seen a slide rule since I was in HS in the 60s.

If I had my druthers, I'd prefer a Curta Calculator, which where only
about $100, new, back then. Now, they're so rare, I don't even want
to think what one would fetch. I actually had access to one for a few
weeks, back in about '61. Waaay beyond cool!

http://www.vcalc.net/cu.htm

As for recipes, I can pretty much do conversions in my head. All but
baking recipes, which get tricky cuz the salt and baking soda/powder
measurements are not in direct proportion.

nb

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:26:28 -0400, NOYDB <ljlameres at acd.net>
wrote:

>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
>quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
>set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
>the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
>there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.

You can't multiply by those simple integers or fractions in your head?
And the C/CI/CF/D scales won't help you with conversions among cups,
tablespoons, and teaspoons.

>Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
>geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.

I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '50s -- and
still have a K&E log-log-duplex-decitrig. 8;)

Now if you used a *circular* slide rule ...

-- Larry (certified old fart)

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On 2010-10-19, > wrote:

> Now if you used a *circular* slide rule ...

Very common with geezer pilots. Fit better in their flight bag.

nb

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:05:53 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

>
> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
> ...
> >I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> > quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
> > set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
> > the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> > there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
> >
> > Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
> > geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
>
> I've never even used a slide rule! I don't even know what they are really.
> I think my dad had one though.
>
I used one for Algebra 1, then calculators came along and the
revolution was on. ;)

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:17:15 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

> Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators came out. They
> were very expensive. We were never allowed to have them in school. These
> days they are a requirement.

Have you seen those scientific calculators? You needed to learn how
to use them in school because your parents certainly couldn't teach
you. My kids were required to have one when they were in HS almost 15
years ago when the cheap TI ones cost $100. OUCH! Then they traded
calculator games and played during class time (or so they claimed).
Double Ouch.

--

Never trust a dog to watch your food.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

In article >,
NOYDB <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote:

> I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>
> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.

Old Geek wins. '-)
My husband (BSME 1959) has considered having his slide rule bronzed.
:-)

--
Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
Holy Order of the Sacred Sisters of St. Pectina of Jella
"Always in a jam, never in a stew; sometimes in a pickle."
A few pics from the Fair are he
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller#100254

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On 2010-10-19, sf > wrote:

> Have you seen those scientific calculators? You needed to learn how

I have a classic, the HP-48GX (almost as cool as a Curta), a plotting
calculator required for calculus and engineering back in the day. The
damn things had the computing power of an early IBM-PC XT 286.
Ancient by today's stds, it can still do stuff I have no clue about.
One cool thing I discovered, was you can dwnld programs from one 48 to
another via infrared. No wires. I still haul it out, now and then,
when I need to do some extended math or jes wanna flex my geezer brain
bag into old algebra/electronics stuff. HP's RPN (reverse Polish
notation) is actually handier for math than a std calculator and I use
it on my desktop computer, an old *nix application called dc. Texas
Instruments (TI) now dominates the scientific calculator landscape,
but their newer stuff is jes faster, not better.

nb

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On 2010-10-19, Melba's Jammin' > wrote:

> My husband (BSME 1959) has considered having his slide rule bronzed.

.....and ruin a beautiful hardwood slide rule!? Sacrilege!

nb

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"Ophelia" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Ophelia" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>>
>>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>>
>>>> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
>>>>> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
>>>>> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
>>>>> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
>>>>> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>>>>>
>>>>> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
>>>>> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
>>>>
>>>> I've never even used a slide rule! I don't even know what they are
>>>> really. I think my dad had one though.
>>>
>>> I think it is the foreunner of a calculator but I might be wrong:)
>>
>> Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators came out.
>> They were very expensive. We were never allowed to have them in school.
>> These days they are a requirement.
>>
>> My first calculator was a solar one. It required very strong light to
>> use it. Bought another one a couple of years later that works even in
>> dim light. I still have it but it's starting to look decrepit. Still
>> works though.
>
> I just use the one on my computer:)

I use mine sometimes but it doesn't divide.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:17:15 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>> Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators came out.
>> They
>> were very expensive. We were never allowed to have them in school.
>> These
>> days they are a requirement.
>
> Have you seen those scientific calculators? You needed to learn how
> to use them in school because your parents certainly couldn't teach
> you. My kids were required to have one when they were in HS almost 15
> years ago when the cheap TI ones cost $100. OUCH! Then they traded
> calculator games and played during class time (or so they claimed).
> Double Ouch.

They were a requirement for my daughter's school the past two years.
Thankfully not this year! I had to get one for home and school and then I
had to get one for myself as well! She was always having questions that
involved various procedures on the calculator. Eek!

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"James Silverton" > wrote in message
...
> NOYDB wrote on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:26:28 -0400:
>
>> I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
>> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original
>> proportion ( set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5,
>> whatever ) then read the new quantity directly under the
>> original quantity. Sometimes there's a problem in measuring
>> the new quantity exactly though.
>
>> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm
>> just an old geek. I started using a sliderule studying
>> electronics in the '70's.
>
> I remember first enthusiastically coming across a slide rule at the age of
> 10. My father taught me some of the more simple usages and I still have a
> collection of the things both straight and circular. However, I usually
> still rely on mental arithmetic to adjust recipes even if I have several
> calculators lying around the house. One of them is even light powered.

That's what I do too. It's easy to do the math in my head. And sometimes I
will just write the adjusted numbers on the recipe in pencil.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"Julie Bove" > wrote

>
> I use mine sometimes but it doesn't divide.

Must be defective.

Find number you want to divide on D scale. Find number you want to divide
by on C scale. Put number on C scale over number on D scale, go to the end
that is still on the slide rule, and read answer off D scale at 1 on C
scale.

Unless, like I said, yours is defective ..........

Steve

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

NOYDB wrote:
>
> I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>
> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.

No I don't use my slide rule :) It was my primary school maths prize and
that was probably the last time it got used.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

Ophelia wrote:
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > "Ophelia" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >>
> >>
> >> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >>>
> >>> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
> >>> ...
> >>>>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> >>>> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
> >>>> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
> >>>> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> >>>> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
> >>>>
> >>>> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
> >>>> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
> >>>
> >>> I've never even used a slide rule! I don't even know what they are
> >>> really. I think my dad had one though.
> >>
> >> I think it is the foreunner of a calculator but I might be wrong:)
> >
> > Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators came out.
> > They were very expensive. We were never allowed to have them in school.
> > These days they are a requirement.
> >
> > My first calculator was a solar one. It required very strong light to use
> > it. Bought another one a couple of years later that works even in dim
> > light. I still have it but it's starting to look decrepit. Still works
> > though.
>
> I just use the one on my computer:)

Used to have a really nice light-powered credit card-sized calculator.
Not much thicker than a credit card either. Freebie from a labware
salesperson. It's dead now and can't find another locally. Very handy at
the supermarket.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Oct 19, 6:17*am, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> "Ophelia" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
>
>
>
>
> > "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>
> >> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
> . ..
> >>>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> >>> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
> >>> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
> >>> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> >>> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>
> >>> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
> >>> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
>
> >> I've never even used a slide rule! *I don't even know what they are
> >> really. I think my dad had one though.
>
> > I think it is the foreunner of a calculator but I might be wrong:)
>
> Could be. *I am old enough that I remember when calculators came out. *They
> were very expensive. *We were never allowed to have them in school. *These
> days they are a requirement.
>
> My first calculator was a solar one. *It required very strong light to use
> it. *Bought another one a couple of years later that works even in dim
> light. *I still have it but it's starting to look decrepit. *Still works
> though.

I remember when the first calculators became available in the early
70's. A friend of my dad's brought his new calculator over to show it
off. This calculator cost 800 dollars (this was in 1971 dollars), and
all it did was added, subtracted, multiplied, divided, and gave the
square root.

By the time I was in high school in the late 70's, we were only
allowed to use calculators in upper-level science and math classes,
like Chemistry, Physics, Trig and Calculus.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

Michael wrote on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:51:25 -0700 (PDT):

> On Oct 19, 6:17 am, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
>> "Ophelia" > wrote in message
>>
>> Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators
>> came out. They were very expensive. We were never allowed
>> to have them in school. These days they are a requirement.
>>
>> My first calculator was a solar one. It required very strong
>> light to use it. Bought another one a couple of years later
>> that works even in dim light. I still have it but it's
>> starting to look decrepit. Still works though.

> I remember when the first calculators became available in the
> early 70's. A friend of my dad's brought his new calculator
> over to show it off. This calculator cost 800 dollars (this
> was in 1971 dollars), and all it did was added, subtracted,
> multiplied, divided, and gave the square root.

When I was growing up in Scotland, there was a peculiar state
requirement that we had to have a pass in Arithmetic for a High School
certificate. Since the exam could not be taken until the fifth year of a
six-year Scottish High School, we had a weekly lesson in Arithmetic with
home work to keep us in practice. Those of us taking advanced math and
science used to (unfairly) despise the class and would turn in work
calculated with a slide rule, which irritated the teacher immensely I
remember a five minute lecture on the iniquity of giving an answer as,
say, £ 1.581 instead of the expected £1, 11 shillings and 7 pence
ha'penny. You know, I can't even remember how to write that answer in
the old currency!


--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"Arri London" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Ophelia wrote:
>>
>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >
>> > "Ophelia" > wrote in message
>> > ...
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> >> ...
>> >>>
>> >>> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote in message
>> >>> ...
>> >>>>I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
>> >>>> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion
>> >>>> (
>> >>>> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
>> >>>> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
>> >>>> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an
>> >>>> old
>> >>>> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
>> >>>
>> >>> I've never even used a slide rule! I don't even know what they are
>> >>> really. I think my dad had one though.
>> >>
>> >> I think it is the foreunner of a calculator but I might be wrong:)
>> >
>> > Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators came out.
>> > They were very expensive. We were never allowed to have them in
>> > school.
>> > These days they are a requirement.
>> >
>> > My first calculator was a solar one. It required very strong light to
>> > use
>> > it. Bought another one a couple of years later that works even in dim
>> > light. I still have it but it's starting to look decrepit. Still
>> > works
>> > though.
>>
>> I just use the one on my computer:)
>
> Used to have a really nice light-powered credit card-sized calculator.
> Not much thicker than a credit card either. Freebie from a labware
> salesperson. It's dead now and can't find another locally. Very handy at
> the supermarket.

I am actually quite good at adding up the groceries in my head. I learned
to do that after once shopping with wild abandon for a party I was giving,
only to discover that my total was $200 more than I had! If that wasn't
embarrassing. I was young then.

Now if I am just buying a few things and have plenty of money with me (I
almost always pay cash), I generally don't do it. But if I am buying a lot
of stuff, I tend to round up or down and add it all up in my head. I am
usually quite close to the total.

Some of the places I've lived or have visited have had calculators built
into the shopping cart handles. I never used them though. But I do
remember having some sort of clicker device many years ago. I think I only
used it a few times. It was made of plastic and I believe it had buttons on
it for $1, $5, $10, etc. You were supposed to click it each time you picked
something up. If it was a $3 item, you would click the $1 button three
times. It turned out to be a royal PITA. I would always forget if I had
clicked it or not. It's just easier to keep track in my mind.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Oct 19, 1:26*am, NOYDB <ljlameres at acd.net> wrote:
> I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
>
> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an old
> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.

Scary thought! We got to the moon and back, built atomic weapons, and
any number of other fantastic technological achievements with nothing
more than slide rule accuracy!

John Kuthe..

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
>
> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
> math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
> just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
>
> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
>
> Andy

the chinese invented the abacus, you ****ing dope.

blake

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"l, not -l" > wrote in message
...
>
> On 20-Oct-2010, blake murphy > wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
>> >
>> > What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
>> > math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
>> > just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
>> >
>> > Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
>> >
>> > Andy
>>
>> the chinese invented the abacus, you ****ing dope.
>>
>> blake
>
> Not if you believe Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacus
> --
> Change Cujo to Juno in email address.

Try this one >> http://www.historyforkids.org/crafts/china/abacus.htm

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

blake wrote on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:26:57 -0400:

> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
>>
>> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you
>> could do math without having to write anything down in the
>> process!!! You could just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
>>
>> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
>>
>> Andy

> the chinese invented the abacus, you ****ing dope.

Very probably but the Greeks came up with a very ingenious mechanical
astronomical calculator (not computer) that doesn't seem mentioned by
the Chinese. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism

I seem to remember recently reading that progress has been made in
understanding what the thing did and it's amazing!

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

"blake murphy" > wrote in message
. ..
> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
>>
>> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
>> math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
>> just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
>>
>> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
>>
>> Andy
>
> the chinese invented the abacus, you ****ing dope.
>
Hmmm... That's what I thought too.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "Arri London" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> >
> > Ophelia wrote:
> >>
> >> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> >
> >> > "Ophelia" > wrote in message
> >> > ...
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> >> >> ...
> >> >>>
> >> >>> "NOYDB" <ljlameres at acd.net>



> >> >
> >> > My first calculator was a solar one. It required very strong light to
> >> > use
> >> > it. Bought another one a couple of years later that works even in dim
> >> > light. I still have it but it's starting to look decrepit. Still
> >> > works
> >> > though.
> >>
> >> I just use the one on my computer:)
> >
> > Used to have a really nice light-powered credit card-sized calculator.
> > Not much thicker than a credit card either. Freebie from a labware
> > salesperson. It's dead now and can't find another locally. Very handy at
> > the supermarket.
>
> I am actually quite good at adding up the groceries in my head. I learned
> to do that after once shopping with wild abandon for a party I was giving,
> only to discover that my total was $200 more than I had! If that wasn't
> embarrassing. I was young then.

Used to be good at calculating in my head. But blood flow in brain had
to be rerouted a few years back and now that math ability is compromised
:(


>
> Now if I am just buying a few things and have plenty of money with me (I
> almost always pay cash), I generally don't do it. But if I am buying a lot
> of stuff, I tend to round up or down and add it all up in my head. I am
> usually quite close to the total.
>
<snip>

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

blake murphy wrote:
>
> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
> >
> > What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
> > math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
> > just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
> >
> > Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
> >
> > Andy
>
> the chinese invented the abacus, you f.....g dope.
>
> blake

No...actually several cultures have come up with similar gadgets.

The word 'calculus' is Latin; means stone. Formerly used for totting up
figures :)

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

Andy wrote:
>
> Arri London > wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > NOYDB wrote:
> >>
> >> I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> >> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original proportion (
> >> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then read
> >> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> >> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
> >>
> >> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an
> old
> >> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the '70's.
> >
> > No I don't use my slide rule :) It was my primary school maths prize
> and
> > that was probably the last time it got used.
>
> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
> math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
> just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
>
> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!

Wasn't just the Greeks; other people as well.
>
> Andy

There is a tiny abacus in my possession. One of these years I may learn
to use it :) It is perfect for lightning calculations.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On 2010-10-20, Arri London > wrote:

> to use it :) It is perfect for lightning calculations.

What's to calculate? Every six seconds is a mile. ;)

nb

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:31:13 GMT, l, not -l wrote:

> On 20-Oct-2010, blake murphy > wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
>>>
>>> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
>>> math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
>>> just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
>>>
>>> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
>>>
>>> Andy
>>
>> the chinese invented the abacus, you ****ing dope.
>>
>> blake
>
> Not if you believe Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacus

o.k., maybe oopsie. the damned thing certainly got around, though. looks
like a lot of independent invention going on.

your pal,
blake

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

In article >,
says...
>
> Michael wrote on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:51:25 -0700 (PDT):
>
> > On Oct 19, 6:17 am, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> >> "Ophelia" > wrote in message
> >>
> >> Could be. I am old enough that I remember when calculators
> >> came out. They were very expensive. We were never allowed
> >> to have them in school. These days they are a requirement.
> >>
> >> My first calculator was a solar one. It required very strong
> >> light to use it. Bought another one a couple of years later
> >> that works even in dim light. I still have it but it's
> >> starting to look decrepit. Still works though.
>
> > I remember when the first calculators became available in the
> > early 70's. A friend of my dad's brought his new calculator
> > over to show it off. This calculator cost 800 dollars (this
> > was in 1971 dollars), and all it did was added, subtracted,
> > multiplied, divided, and gave the square root.
>
> When I was growing up in Scotland, there was a peculiar state
> requirement that we had to have a pass in Arithmetic for a High School
> certificate. Since the exam could not be taken until the fifth year of a
> six-year Scottish High School, we had a weekly lesson in Arithmetic with
> home work to keep us in practice. Those of us taking advanced math and
> science used to (unfairly) despise the class and would turn in work
> calculated with a slide rule, which irritated the teacher immensely I
> remember a five minute lecture on the iniquity of giving an answer as,
> say, £ 1.581 instead of the expected £1, 11 shillings and 7 pence
> ha'penny. You know, I can't even remember how to write that answer in
> the old currency!

Dunno if you've looked at the current generation of calculators. The
things are effing _amazing_. Ask it for the integral of some horrible
function and it comes out not with a number but with the algebraic
function.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On 2010-10-23, Arri London > wrote:
>
> notbob wrote:
>>
>> On 2010-10-20, Arri London > wrote:
>>
>> > to use it :) It is perfect for lightning calculations.
>>
>> What's to calculate? Every six seconds is a mile. ;)
>>
>> nb
>
> And where did you study meteorology, one might ask LOL.

On the web! Where else. Seems the last page I read was 1 sec off.

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/distance.htm

nb

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

blake murphy wrote:
>
> On Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:31:13 GMT, l, not -l wrote:
>
> > On 20-Oct-2010, blake murphy > wrote:
> >
> >> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
> >>>
> >>> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
> >>> math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
> >>> just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
> >>>
> >>> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
> >>>
> >>> Andy
> >>
> >> the chinese invented the abacus, you ****ing dope.
> >>
> >> blake
> >
> > Not if you believe Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacus
>
> o.k., maybe oopsie. the damned thing certainly got around, though. looks
> like a lot of independent invention going on.


As is true for most great ideas, such as the wheel, writing and
agriculture :)

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

notbob wrote:
>
> On 2010-10-20, Arri London > wrote:
>
> > to use it :) It is perfect for lightning calculations.
>
> What's to calculate? Every six seconds is a mile. ;)
>
> nb

And where did you study meteorology, one might ask LOL.

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

Andy wrote:
>
> Arri London > wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Andy wrote:
> >>
> >> Arri London > wrote:
> >>
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > NOYDB wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> I find that I frequently want to adjust a recipe up or down in
> >> >> quantity. I use an old slide rule to set up the original
> proportion (
> >> >> set the 1 over the adjusted quantity; 2, 3, .5, whatever ) then
> read
> >> >> the new quantity directly under the original quantity. Sometimes
> >> >> there's a problem in measuring the new quantity exactly though.
> >> >>
> >> >> Anyway I was wondering if anybody else does this or if I'm just an
> >> old
> >> >> geek. I started using a sliderule studying electronics in the
> '70's.
> >> >
> >> > No I don't use my slide rule :) It was my primary school maths
> prize
> >> and
> >> > that was probably the last time it got used.
> >>
> >> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could
> do
> >> math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You
> could
> >> just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
> >>
> >> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
> >
> > Wasn't just the Greeks; other people as well.
> >>
> >> Andy
> >
> > There is a tiny abacus in my possession. One of these years I may
> learn
> > to use it :) It is perfect for lightning calculations.
>
> Arri,
>
> It is???
>
> It sucks for earthquake math!!! ;D
>
> Best,
>
> Andy

Everyone is a comedian this weekend :P

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:56:03 -0600, Arri London >
wrote:

>
>
>blake murphy wrote:
>>
>> On Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:31:13 GMT, l, not -l wrote:
>>
>> > On 20-Oct-2010, blake murphy > wrote:
>> >
>> >> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
>> >>> math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
>> >>> just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
>> >>>
>> >>> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
>> >>>
>> >>> Andy
>> >>
>> >> the chinese invented the abacus, you ****ing dope.
>> >>
>> >> blake
>> >
>> > Not if you believe Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacus
>>
>> o.k., maybe oopsie. the damned thing certainly got around, though. looks
>> like a lot of independent invention going on.
>
>
>As is true for most great ideas, such as the wheel, writing and
>agriculture :)

Agriculture was invented? Man early on was a hunter and gather and
when society became more stationary, agriculture happened. I must not
understand what kind of agriculture? If you mean irrigation- viaducts-
no that was the Romans- still wondering...here. Taking produce to
markets might have been Greek but in my mind that is not "inventing
agriculture."

aloha,
Cea

NOT OT Slide Rules
 

On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:19:05 -1000, pure kona wrote:

> On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:56:03 -0600, Arri London >
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>blake murphy wrote:
>>>
>>> On Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:31:13 GMT, l, not -l wrote:
>>>
>>> > On 20-Oct-2010, blake murphy > wrote:
>>> >
>>> >> On Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:37:44 -0500, Andy wrote:
>>> >>>
>>> >>> What I found astonishing/interesting about the abacus was you could do
>>> >>> math without having to write anything down in the process!!! You could
>>> >>> just see it as patterns at a glance!!!
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Thanks to the Greeks for the invention!!!
>>> >>>
>>> >>> Andy
>>> >>
>>> >> the chinese invented the abacus, you ****ing dope.
>>> >>
>>> >> blake
>>> >
>>> > Not if you believe Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacus
>>>
>>> o.k., maybe oopsie. the damned thing certainly got around, though. looks
>>> like a lot of independent invention going on.
>>
>>
>>As is true for most great ideas, such as the wheel, writing and
>>agriculture :)
>
> Agriculture was invented? Man early on was a hunter and gather and
> when society became more stationary, agriculture happened. I must not
> understand what kind of agriculture? If you mean irrigation- viaducts-
> no that was the Romans- still wondering...here. Taking produce to
> markets might have been Greek but in my mind that is not "inventing
> agriculture."
>
> aloha,
> Cea

i would day it's the other way around. agriculture (and particularly the
ability to store grain) made society possible.

your pal,
blake