Long before the Internet, and even before the hand-held calculator, people needed a way to make quick calculations without doing a lot of mathematical computation. The slide rule, a 17th-century device, rapidly became the most commonly used calculation tool in science and engineering.
The slide rule was the inspiration for countless pocket calculators, referred to as “slide charts.”
Typically made of cardboard or plastic, a slide chart was typically task-specific, and these handy devices could be tucked in a pocket for quick reference. For decades, the slide chart was the go-to gadget for engineering, aviation, photography, finance, construction, machine work, surveying, and even cooking!
An example of a common slide chart:
Of course, it goes without saying that there are people who collect these, and they’re still used in certain industries today. But we’re interested in Datsun collectibles, so here’s a few Datsun-specific slide charts that I think you’ll find interesting – Enjoy!
