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Environment

Ah! Slide Rules

May 25, 2009 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 87, Issue 21

MARTHA DIBBLEE reminds us that we no longer require students to use a slide rule (C&EN, March 2, page 6). As a result, today's students have lost a feeling for the meaning of accuracy. Because computers and calculators can spin out an endless number of digits, some students may think these reflect accuracy, whereas slide rules could only be read to three or four significant figures, reflecting the true accuracy of many measurements and data.

Saul Ricklin
Bristol, R.I.

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