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Log Tables

lostmyway

While I have a good idea how log tables work, I'm still in the dark as to how they are compiled.

I gather some bloke name 'Napier' originally invented them but what method did he use?

Any mathematicians' contributions would be appreciated. 

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  • lostmyway said:

    I can't help wondering though how on earth people managed to work out all the log tables because you would have to find nth. roots of the base, wouldn't you?

    For example, how would 10^1/8 be calculated?

    The answer must be there were some very clever aspies out there at one time!

    No computers, just a lot of thinking.  Of course, there was the slide rule (remember them?) which was invented around the same time as Napier was woring out logaritnmic theory.  But it is with use of advanced algebra that such was calculated.  You can get some sort of approximation by using graphs. 

    I still have my slide rule, for those born before the nineteen sixties they were essential to anyone mathematical or engineering inclined.  And what is more, they worked without batteries or mains electricity!

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  • lostmyway said:

    I can't help wondering though how on earth people managed to work out all the log tables because you would have to find nth. roots of the base, wouldn't you?

    For example, how would 10^1/8 be calculated?

    The answer must be there were some very clever aspies out there at one time!

    No computers, just a lot of thinking.  Of course, there was the slide rule (remember them?) which was invented around the same time as Napier was woring out logaritnmic theory.  But it is with use of advanced algebra that such was calculated.  You can get some sort of approximation by using graphs. 

    I still have my slide rule, for those born before the nineteen sixties they were essential to anyone mathematical or engineering inclined.  And what is more, they worked without batteries or mains electricity!

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