| Slide Rules: Their History, Models and Makers by Peter M Hopp |
| This book, by a member of the UKSRC, is regarded by most slide rule collectors as the standard work of reference. It has the following chapters: |
| Chapter 1: History of the Slide Rule A summary of the history of slide rules starting with methods which preceded slide rules and identifying the main steps in slide rule development. |
| Chapter 2: Descriptions and Definitions Describes the main components of slide rules and variants. |
| Chapter 3: Slide Rule Types 1620 to 1850 Looks at the principal types of slide rules in the first two centuries after their invention and identifies important slide rules made during this period. |
| Chapter 4: Instrument Makers 1620 to 1900 This chapter not only lists instrument makers in the period and the dates at which they produced slide rules but also has a "family tree" showing how makers passed on the their skills to others. |
| Chapter 5: Slide Rule Types 1850 to 1998 The main developments leading to "modern" slide rules are identified and their significance explained. |
| Chapter 6: Slide Manufacturers 1850 to 1998 This is the longest chapter in the book and identifies not only slide rule makers during this period but also the models they produced and an indication of when they were made. |
| The book also has eight appendices: Glossary and biographies Key dates in the history of slide rules Bibliography Patens Slide rule scales and gauge marks Dating and valuing Care of slide rules Historical context |
| The book is published by Astragal Press, 5 Cold Hill Road, Suite 12, P.O.Box
239, Mendham, NJ 07945-0239. Its ISBN number is 1-879335-86-7 The book can be obtained from ra@royarnold.com or other good book sellers. |