Object Details
- Description
- This clear plastic slide rule was designed to introduce students to the instrument using an overhead projector. The base of the rule has an A scale (logarithmically divided from 1 to 10 twice) and a D scale (logarithmically divided from 1 to 10). The slide has a B scale adjacent to the A scale and similarly divided, and a C scale adjacent to the D scale and divided like it.
- A mark on the upper left of the base reads: The Sargent-Welch Company (/) 7300 N. Linder Ave., Skokie, Ill. 60076 U.S. A. A mark on the upper right of the base reads: Cat. No. 0253.
- The Welch Scientific Company, an Illinois instrument dealer, offered slide rules in its catalogs from at least the 1930s. These often were made by other companies. The firm moved from Chicago to Skokie in 1960. As early as 1965, Welch advertised this projection slide rule as number 0253 in its catalog, selling it for $7.50.
- In 1968, Welch merged with E. H. Sargent Company to form the Sargent-Welch Company of Skokie, the firms whose mark is on this instrument. Hence the date assigned.
- Many slide rules sold by Sargent-Welch were made by Pickett.A manual copyrighted by Pickett in 1960 and distributed by Sargent-Welcjh lists two projection slide rules made by Pickett and sold by Sargent-Welch. Both of these are considerably more complicated than this instrument. Hence the name of the original manufacturer of the instrument is unclear.
- References:
- Welch Scientific Company, Welch Mathematics Catalog Instruments and Supplies for Teaching Mathematics, , Skokie: Welch Scientific, 1965, pp. 19-22, esp. p. 19.
- Maurice L. Hartung, Pickett Teaching Guide for Slide Rule Instruction, Skokie, Illinois: Sargent-Welch Scientific Company. The copyright date on this manual is 1960, before the formation of Sargent-Welch.
- P. A. Kidwell, A. Ackerberg-Hastings and D. L. Roberts, Tools of American Mathematics Teaching, 1800-2000, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, pp. 53-68.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Sargent-Welch Company
- date made
- ca 1968
- Credit Line
- Richard J. Zitto
- Physical Description
- plastic (overall material)
- metal (screws material)
- Measurements
- overall: .6 cm x 32 cm x 6.5 cm; 1/4 in x 12 19/32 in x 2 9/16 in
- Object Name
- slide rule
