Palmer's Computing Scale, issue one
Date: dated 1843
Inventory Number: DW0649
Classification: Slide Rule
Subject:
Maker: Aaron Palmer (mid-1800s)
Maker: George G. Smith (mid-1800s)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
0.8 × 27.9 × 28 cm (5/16 × 11 × 11 in.)
DescriptionYellowed cardboard square, with maroon, gold-embossed leather edges, joined at center by a metal fastener to a yellowed cardboard disc. A flowered pattern is engraved in each of the square's four corners. A second metal fastener is attached near the top of the top disc.
Printed on the cardboard square around the circumference of the top disc is a logarithmic scale carrying values 1 to 10. A diamond is printed to the right of the 1 mark; an "A" is printed near the 7.9 mark. Eight points on the scale are additionally labeled with a star and the following text: near the 4.6 mark, "Days / 8 perct"; near the 5.2 mark, "Days / 7 perct"; near the 6.1 mark, "Days / 6 perct"; near the 7.3 mark, "Days / 5 perct"; near the 1.5 mark, "Months / 8 perct"; near the 1.7 mark, "Months / 7 perct"; near the 2 mark, "Months / 6 perct"; and near the 2.4 mark, "Months / 5 perct".
Printed around the circumference of the top disc is a second logarithmic scale, also carrying values 1 to 10. Six points on the scale are additionally labeled with the following: near the 1.3 mark, "Cont"; near the 1.4 mark, "S. Feet"; near the 1.6 mark, "Acre"; near the 3.1 mark, "C"; near the 7.1 mark, a circle; and near the 8.9 mark, a square.
Directions for using the slide rule are printed on the back of the cardboard square, surrounded by an engraved geometric border. The paper onto which the directions were engraved has partly torn away, in the top left-hand corner.
Printed on the cardboard square around the circumference of the top disc is a logarithmic scale carrying values 1 to 10. A diamond is printed to the right of the 1 mark; an "A" is printed near the 7.9 mark. Eight points on the scale are additionally labeled with a star and the following text: near the 4.6 mark, "Days / 8 perct"; near the 5.2 mark, "Days / 7 perct"; near the 6.1 mark, "Days / 6 perct"; near the 7.3 mark, "Days / 5 perct"; near the 1.5 mark, "Months / 8 perct"; near the 1.7 mark, "Months / 7 perct"; near the 2 mark, "Months / 6 perct"; and near the 2.4 mark, "Months / 5 perct".
Printed around the circumference of the top disc is a second logarithmic scale, also carrying values 1 to 10. Six points on the scale are additionally labeled with the following: near the 1.3 mark, "Cont"; near the 1.4 mark, "S. Feet"; near the 1.6 mark, "Acre"; near the 3.1 mark, "C"; near the 7.1 mark, a circle; and near the 8.9 mark, a square.
Directions for using the slide rule are printed on the back of the cardboard square, surrounded by an engraved geometric border. The paper onto which the directions were engraved has partly torn away, in the top left-hand corner.
Signedface, center of top disc: PALMER'S / COMPUTING SCALE
face, top disc, bottom center: Entered according to Act of Congress in year 1843 by Aaron Palmer in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the State of Massachusetts
face, top disc, bottom center: Entered according to Act of Congress in year 1843 by Aaron Palmer in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the State of Massachusetts
FunctionEarly circular slide rule used to solve mathematics problems, including multiplication, division, the calculation of interest, and geometry problems.
This first Issue of Palmer's Computing Scale was recalled within six to eight weeks, as several gauge points were missing ("D", "B.G.", and "W.G."; compare to 1993-1-0003).
This first Issue of Palmer's Computing Scale was recalled within six to eight weeks, as several gauge points were missing ("D", "B.G.", and "W.G."; compare to 1993-1-0003).
Curatorial RemarksIdentical issue to 5464, though this instrument does not have Harvard Libraries markings, and paper on back is partly torn.;
Very similar to 1993-1-0003, a (later) issue of Palmer's Computing Scale having brown instead of maroon leather around its edges, and three additional gauge points marked on its square portion.;
See issue three of Palmer's computing scale, 5465, which has many more gauge points labeled, and includes Fuller's Time Telegraph.;
See also Palmer's Computing Scale and Fuller's Time Telegraph, issue four, 5464, which has many more gauge points labeled, and includes Fuller's Time Telegraph.;
Put in a scan and deliver request for "Key", see primary sources (ADB 6/29/10).
Housed in box with 1993-1-0003. SMS 11/3/2022.
Very similar to 1993-1-0003, a (later) issue of Palmer's Computing Scale having brown instead of maroon leather around its edges, and three additional gauge points marked on its square portion.;
See issue three of Palmer's computing scale, 5465, which has many more gauge points labeled, and includes Fuller's Time Telegraph.;
See also Palmer's Computing Scale and Fuller's Time Telegraph, issue four, 5464, which has many more gauge points labeled, and includes Fuller's Time Telegraph.;
Put in a scan and deliver request for "Key", see primary sources (ADB 6/29/10).
Housed in box with 1993-1-0003. SMS 11/3/2022.
Primary SourcesPalmer, Aaron. A key to the endless, self-computing scale, showing its application to the different rules of arithmetic &c. Rochester, NY: P.S. Stoddard, 1842.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland.
