> They're cool artifacts from the pre-computer world. I like slide rules, and abaci, and jigs, protractors, T squares, or other nifty tools for measuring and c

> They're cool artifacts from the pre-computer world. I like slide rules, and abaci, and jigs, protractors, T squares, or other nifty tools for measuring and computing from "before" the computer age because they represent something of a unique tool. Every tool exists to perform some action better than can be done by some other tool or set of tools. And the interesting side of tools for solving math problems or measuring things directly or indirectly is that it's the foundation of abstraction. Breaking down a big problem into a smaller one that can be trivially done with another tool is foundational to how we develop technology. Like a pump moves water or a lever amplifies force, tools like a slide rule let us do less work but instead of manipulating physical forces they're reducing the amount of working memory and information we need to solve a problem. It's a level of ingenuity that's worth respecting.