A 1960s training film reveals the lost art of slide rule mastery
A 30-minute training film from Encyclopædia Britannica teaches viewers how to use slide rules. The instructional video, led by Dr. Havery E. White, covers everything from basic number theory to practical demonstrations. Though informative, its production style feels dated by today’s standards.
The film begins with an explanation of numbers and significant figures. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for the main topic: mechanical calculators.
The Encyclopædia Britannica film remains a clear guide to slide rule operation. It breaks down complex ideas into simple steps, though its style contrasts sharply with modern tutorials. The video serves as a historical snapshot of how mechanical calculators were once taught.
