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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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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Trainspotter said:

    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!

    Wasn't "computer" originally the term for one of the many people sitting in a big room manually working out tables with a pencil and paper?  Something like that anyway.  I could look it up but it's 6:30am, my brain isn't online yet and I'm not going to blunder around trying to find stuff until it is!

    I remember seeing my late father's slide-rule and never quite figuring out how it did whatever it was that it did.  He was a draughtsman and needed to calculate stuff, and electronic calculators weren't readily available at the time (and the electromechanical ones were big, expensive and not very portable!)

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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Trainspotter said:

    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!

    Wasn't "computer" originally the term for one of the many people sitting in a big room manually working out tables with a pencil and paper?  Something like that anyway.  I could look it up but it's 6:30am, my brain isn't online yet and I'm not going to blunder around trying to find stuff until it is!

    I remember seeing my late father's slide-rule and never quite figuring out how it did whatever it was that it did.  He was a draughtsman and needed to calculate stuff, and electronic calculators weren't readily available at the time (and the electromechanical ones were big, expensive and not very portable!)

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