NAPIER BONES Meaning and
Definition
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Napier bones refer to a mathematical calculating device that was developed by the Scottish mathematician, John Napier, during the 17th century. Also known as logarithmic rods or Napier's rods, these bones were used for performing multiplication, division, and square root calculations by using a system based on logarithms.
The napier bones consist of a set of rectangular rods, usually made of wood or bone, with numbers written on them. Each rod is divided into nine squares, and within each square, multiples of a single digit are inscribed. The numbers on the rods range from 1 to 9 and are arranged in a specific order. When these rods are aligned and placed side by side in a particular manner, they form a concatenated multiplication table.
To perform multiplication or division using Napier bones, the corresponding rods are selected and placed adjacent to each other. Medians, diagonals, or other such constructions are used to match the values and obtain the desired product or quotient. Similarly, for calculating square roots, rods are utilized to manipulate and find the necessary values.
Napier bones were widely used before the invention of mechanical calculators and were highly influential in the field of computation at the time. While they have now been largely replaced by more advanced and efficient calculating methods, the concept of Napier bones holds historical significance for the development of mathematical tools and techniques.
Etymology of NAPIER BONES
The term "Napier bones" is named after John Napier, a Scottish mathematician and inventor who lived from 1550 to 1617. Napier is best known for his invention of logarithms, a mathematical concept used to simplify complex calculations.
The invention of "Napier bones" is attributed to him as well. The device consists of a set of rectangular rods or bones, usually made of ivory or wood, with multiplication tables engraved on them. These rods can be manipulated to facilitate multiplication and division operations.
The term "bones" in this context refers to the rectangular rods that resemble bones, while "Napier" is a reference to John Napier, the inventor of the device. So, the etymology of the term "Napier bones" essentially refers to the connection between John Napier and the mathematical tool he developed.
