Hello from California. I have been collecting slide rules and other
hand-held, mechanical calculating devices for 15+ yeears. Actually,
I think I started earlier since, as an undergraduate in the 60s, I
always seemed to have at least two or three slide rules in my desk
drawer. Much to my chagrin, I recall the joy of mail-ordering a
Bowmar 10-digit, 4-funciton LED calculator in the early 70s and
consigning my slide rules to the basement. Now, all these years
later, I still have my original rules and several hundred more but I
haven't got a clue what I did with the Bowmar and, "Frankly Scarlet,
I don't give a damn."

Two questions for members, if I may. First, I would like to brighten
the yellowed scales of an old K&E Thacher 4012 but have been afraid
to touch it for fear of making things worse. Someone suggested
exposure to sunlight but that seems insane to me. Any suggestions?
Also, I am looking for an original instruction book for the Thacher
as well as for a Stanley Fuller Model II (the manual usually provided
instructions for all three models). Does anyone know where I might
locate either of these beasts? Thanks for a interesting forum for
those of us who long for the feel of mahogany and celluloid.
Grant Hutchinson