Abstract
THE publication of Mr. Dufton's method will, I think, serve a useful purpose. It is a common exercise in schools to plot on squared paper, numbers and their logarithms to the base 2 (see Blame's “Methods of Calculating,” Spon), to give a general notion of how the logarithm varies as the number varies; but I have never known it to be made a method of calculation. Indeed, I do not think it right to give a boy the idea that he may find log. 10 by interpolation between log. 8 and log. 16. There is a specious appearance of accuracy due to the fact that log210 is so nearly 31/3; and Mr. Dufton heightens it by using squared paper on which the divisions are thirds of the unit, so that a boy will have it fixed in his mind that 31/3 is exactly log210.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
PERRY, J. To Calculate a Simple Table of Logarithms. Nature 61, 415–416 (1900). https://doi.org/10.1038/061415b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/061415b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
