As I was cleaning out the garage, I ran across this old book. I think it was an English book—now why would I keep an English textbook. Anyway, I noticed the advertisement for Pickett slide rules and remembered that there were two camps for slide rules, just like Mac vs. PC. Pickett’s were metal: sturdy, precise, didn’t swell with changes in humidity (important in San Luis Obispo), but were this garish yellow color.
I had a Post Versalog (still do in fact—another discovery from the depths of the garage). It was shiny white and the core was made of bamboo.
Which was better? It was simply a matter of personal taste. I’m still amazed at what was accomplished with these engineering tools.
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