Question

On the Beach author Nevil Shute described using a cylindrical one of these devices when designing the R-100 in his autobiography, which is also titled for these devices. A specific usage of these general devices can be graphically represented by a nomogram. The 2/83 N Novo Duplex is considered a particularly (15[1])beautiful example of these devices and was manufactured by Faber-Castell. Markings (-5[1])called hairlines appear on a typically-glass component of these (-5[1])devices called the cursor, which lends its name to cursors on computer screens. Basic examples of these devices have stationary A and D (*) scales on the top and bottom, (10[1])and B and C scales in the middle that move. These devices, nicknamed “slipsticks”, were invented in the 17th century based on the work of John Napier. For 10 points, name these analog computers widely used by engineers before the advent of pocket calculators. ■END■ (10[1]0[1])

Back to tossups