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  • Texaco gasoline economy wheel chart
  • Images (3)

Texaco gasoline economy wheel chart

  • Images (3)

Texaco gasoline economy wheel chart

Date: copyright 1974
Inventory Number: 1998-1-1350
Classification: Slide Rule
Subject:
calculating instrument,
Maker: Texaco, Inc (1901 - 2001)
Cultural Region:
United States,
Place of Origin:
Harrison,
City of Use:
Bangor,
Dimensions:
0.2 × 14.6 × 9.2 cm (1/16 × 5 3/4 × 3 5/8 in.)
Material:
paper, brass,
DescriptionHexagonal paper booklet, joined by a brass ring to a circular paper disc.

The right side of the booklet's cover is labeled, "TEXACO / Gasoline / Economy / Calculator." Instructions for the calculator's use are printed in the center of the paper disc.

The circumference of the disc is printed with a scale for "MILES TRAVELED," carrying values from 100 to 3500. Just inside this scale a window has been punched through the disc. Another scale, carrying values from 5 to 45 is visible only through this window. Pointing to the window from the center of the disc is an arrow labeled, "Miles / Per Gallon." Printed on the cover, around the disc, is a scale for "GALLONS USED," with values ranging from 5 to 150.

On the inside of the booklet, the left-hand page is printed with a diagram of a car containing one driver and two passengers. Various parts of the car are labeled with tips to improve fuel economy. The diagram is titled, "Texaco / introduces a fantastic new mileage ingredient. / You." Below the diagram, printed in red, is, "We're working to keep your trust."

The right-hand page is printed with six more "Gasoline Economy Tips," each enclosed in a rectangle. In every case the text is accompanied by a drawing.

On the back cover is a table for "Mileage Record / Conserve While You Consume." Each of the table's two columns have spaces for entering fuel consumption data. Instructions for using the table are printed directly below it. Under the instructions is the Texaco logo.
Signedcover, on left: Copyright © 1974 Texaco Inc.
Inscribedcover, stamped on left: VAN'S TEXACO SERVICE / 250 STATE STREET / BANGOR, MAINE / TEL 942-0516
FunctionFor calculating the fuel economy (in miles per gallon) of a personal vehicle.

Using the table on the back of the booklet, the user first records the amount (in gallons) of gas last purchased, as well as the mileage (odometer reading) at the start and finish of the new tank. He subtracts the value for mileage at start from the value for mileage at finish to calculate total mileage.

The user then rotates the disc on the booklet's cover such that the appropriate value for miles traveled (disc) coincides with the gallons used (cover). The value to which the arrow points is his fuel economy in miles per gallon. He can record this on the booklet's back cover to complete the economy table.
Curatorial RemarksTexaco's headquarters were located in Harrison, NY by 1978 at the latest. Unable to find previous location, or date of move to Harrison;
Deleted storage dimensions upon confirming no storage box exists.

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