People,

I have recently taken an enormous interest in slide rules. I
graduated last year with a B.A. in Math and Physics and have since
studied some mechanical engineering in graduate program. Having found
my fellow students heavily engulfed in the need to use current
technology to solve problems (like using Maple and Matlab to integrate
relatively simple functions), I am feeling alone in my passion for the
more theoretical aspects of the subjects, of science.

Perhaps there's even a sense of disgust toward the use of computers
and calculators growing within me. I'm not sure. But I acknowledge
that the other students I know don't sympathize with me; they are
merely interested in the solution to a problem, rather than the
delicate and beautiful process of getting there. I believe these
preliminary steps are of utmost importance. This is one of several
reasons why I've chosen to become skilled in the mastery of the
slide. Of course, I, too, share in those reasons commonly discussed
by slide rule fanatics such as yourselves.

I have just turned 23 years old, and I know of no one even remotely
close to my age that currently uses a slide rule as I do. Now to my
main question(s): Does anyone know if I am alone in my slide rule
endeavors for my age bracket, or must I be the sole person to ensure
that future generations don't lose sight of this wonderful instrument?

I am very curious to here about any responses.

Brandon Hughes
br2hughes@...