portarule
mechanical device
Quick Summary
A slide rule is a mechanical calculating device that uses logarithmic scales to perform mathematical operations. It typically consists of a ruler and a movable middle piece, both marked with these scales. Early versions, dating back to the 17th century, were used for multiplication, division, and finding roots. John Napier's invention of logarithms was crucial to its development. While essential in science and engineering for decades, the slide rule was eventually replaced by electronic calculators in the late 20th century.12
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