FULLER CYLINDER, 1878
Inventor
George FULLER (Ireland)
Invention date
1878
Manufacturing date:
Around 1954
Manufacturing location
UK
Manufacturer
STANLEY
Dimensions
Height 50cm
Reference Number
257
History and Functionality
The patent of the Fuller Cylinder was filed in 1878 by George FULLER (1829-1907), professor of engineering at Queens College in Belfast.
George FULLER had the idea of rolling the logarithmic scale in a spiral on a cylinder. This design greatly increases the length of the scale.
The Fuller Cylinder model 1 has a logarithmic scale of 12.50m. Model 2 has two spirals. Fuller Cylinders were marketed until 1975.
About 14,000 of them were manufactured in 4 different models.
In England they were produced by Stanley in London, in the United States by Keuffel & Esser.
The advertisement of the time indicates that for a fraction of the cost of an arithmometer you could have a much faster machine.
About The Inventor
George Fuller, a British civil engineer and professor at Queen’s College, Belfast, invented the cylindrical slide rule in 1878.
His invention, patented in both Great Britain and the United States, marked a significant advancement in calculating devices. Manufactured by W.F. Stanley in London until 1975 and marketed by several U.S. dealers, the Fuller Cylinder featured a unique design with a spiral scale for enhanced calculation capabilities.
Fuller’s invention was recognized for its practical utility and precision, embodying his dedication to improving calculation tools for professionals and academics alike. Fuller’s contributions to engineering and mathematics were recognized through this widely used calculating rule, reflecting his innovative spirit and impact on the field.
