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the EDITpR'S | column •
L.T.Hkllett, Editor
» p H E NATIONAL B U R E A U OF S T A N D -
ARDS h a s developed a computer program t h a t permits scientists t o communicate directly with t h e 7090 computer using simple E n g lish commands. Called the O M N I T A B , this program eliminates t h e bottleneck between m a n and machine caused b y t h e necessity of learning a code and, in most cases, having a specialist p r e p a r e a program for solving even t h e simplest of problems. T h e program is used for t h e calculation of tables of functions, for solutions of nonlinear equations, a n d for statistical and numerical analysis of t a b u l a r data. Functions normally performed on a desk calculator can now be performed rapidly b y t h e computer. There is, for instance, a statistical analysis package, which computes the average ojf a set of numbers (maximum 200) a n d 30 statistical measures related to t h e average including dispersion, randomness, a n d other properties of t h e distribution. This analysis should be especially useful in standardizing t h e statistical analysis of l a b o r a t o r y data. T h e instructions t o t h e computer and t h e d a t a to be manipulated are prepared for entry t o t h e machine on punched cards. F o r example: MULTIPLY COLUMN 3 BY COLUMN 4, STORE IN COLUMN 5 or MULTIPLY 3 BY 4, STORE IN 5 or even shorter MULTIPLY 3,4,5 T h e figures in a column c a n be operated on b y those in another column or b y constants. T h e presence of a period after a n u m b e r indicates t h a t t h e n u m b e r is t o read as itself, whereas the absence of a period indicates a column of n u m -
Ike. Welch CATHETOMETER Significant recent engineering improvements in this i n s t r u m e n t insure b e t t e r performance t h a n ever a n d more years of satisfactory service. T h i s cathetometer is designed for precise measurement of vertical distances t h r o u g h a range of 100 c m . I t is particularly useful where t h e object t o b e observed is n o t conveniently accessible, or m a y easily be disturbed b y physical contact, or m u s t be located in a position too hazardous t o permit t h e observer t o be in close proximity. Vertical Range Smallest Reading by Vernier Telescope Working Distance Angular Magnification Reticle Level Sensitivity
r
100 cm 0.0 5 mm 45 cm to Infinity 12X at 45 cm 8X at Infinity 90-degree crosshairs 50 Seconds
Cat. No. 0068A
Each $257.50
Write for illustrated circular describing excellent features of this instrument.
the many
THE WELCH SCIENTIFIC COMPANY
jp#*^^ No. 0068A
—ESTABLISHED 1 8 8 0
1515 Sedgwick St., Dept. A-1, CHICAGO I t , ILL, U.S.A. Manufacturers of Scientific Instruments and Laboratory Apparatus
don't be ruffled by
LABORATORY FLOW METERING USE... BROOKS
PRECISION
ROTAMETER KITS A wide choice of convenient flow test kits for laboratory, pilot plant, and field use. CHECK T H E S E FEATURES . . . • Metering floats and tubes guaranteed interchangeable to provide highest metering accuracy. • Individual calibration curves for each tube and float combination. • Kits available for wide range of flows . . from 0.5 cc/min to 42.5 gpm (water equivalent). • Convenient carrying and storage cases. • Most models —OFF-THE-SHELF DELIVERY.
Model 1241-1030 shown here. (4 tubes, 12 floats! Flow range: 1.6 cc/min to 31 çph. Priced at only $120.00
Write for Bulletin B-1200 which describes our full line of laboratory kits.
Our pet reminder that L o w e s t F i n a l Cost counts most
BROOKS INSTRUMENT COMPANY, INC. 5506 W. Vine Street · Hatfield, Pennsylvania In Canada: Brooks Instrument Canada Ltd., Scarborough, Ont.
Circle No. 50 on Readers' Service Card
VOL 35, NO. 7, JUNE 1963
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