Nestler 0290 Polymath

The 0290 Polymath model was produced in Germany from 1955 until 1966, according with the German Collectors website www.rechensheiber.org, (but I have found in the WEB only pictures of models fabricated between 1957-1962). Fabricated all plastic, body and cursor, engraved scales, and hold with metallic braces. Its cursor has three gauge lines to quickly transform Kw to HP and PS, as well as area of circles given the diameter.

With 24 scales, this rule was very well suited for Science and Engineering work. The scales on the 0290 model are: CT, T, ST, A [ B, L, K, C ] D, P, S, CS on the front face, and LL01, LL02, LL03, DF [ CF, CIF, CI, C ] D, LL3, LL2, LL1 on the back face. In 1966 this model was replaced by the 0291, with the same 24 scales set, in the same order, but with the six log-log scales on the front face.

The 0290 Polymath rule is one of my favorites, and is the one I have on my classroom desk in a fine wooden box. My students are always curious about this strange and beautiful device, and it is difficult for them to believe that can be used to perform most of the operations their TI-Nspire's can do. It is also special for me because was manufactured in my year of birth: 1959.

Click on the next links to see professional panoramic pictures of the 0290 model

https://www.sliderulemuseum.com/Nestler/Nestler_0290_dc361_Polymath_GiftOfMikeSimmondsUK.jpg

References:

• Smith Hughes, Richard: Watch your Ps and Qs -The Pythagorean Scales- Are They Worth the Effort? Journal of the Oughtred Society, Vol 15, No.2, 2006. https://osgalleries.org/journal/pdf_files/15.2/V15.2P50.pdf