PREFACE 



The tables here presented represent an adaptation of Hoiiel's factor- 

 izing method of computing logarithms. We became acquainted with 

 Hoiiel's basic idea about 30 years ago, when we saw it explained and ex- 

 emplified in Dr. E. R. Hedrick's "Logarithmic and Trigonometric Tables." 

 Fifteen years later we were using our own 20-place Hoiiel table of natural 

 logarithms to compute the so-called "q's" used in preparing our "Smith- 

 sonian Elliptic Functions Tables" (published in 1947). At that time we 

 conceived the idea embodied in the present tables and were so convinced 

 of its possibilities that we carried out much of the early work in this 

 secondary project simultaneously with the computation of the elliptic 

 tables. 



Originally we planned a table of natural logarithms only (i.e.. to base e), 

 but several years later it was decided to include common logarithms 

 (i.e., to base 10). This doubled our work and necessitated some revi- 

 sion of computations already finished. We feel that the completed design 

 justifies the extra work and added expense. 



While the tables were in preparation Miami University assigned four 

 students to help in the work and paid them for their efforts — Paul Chifos, 

 Eugene Epperson, Steve Pizanis, and Russell Treon. The loyal, pains- 

 taking, and efficient work of these young men was a continuing inspiration 

 to us, and all out of proportion to the remuneration they received. In fact, 

 Mr. Epperson's work was so extraordinarily helpful that we have placed 

 his name with ours on the title page. 



Toward the end of our task we sent photostatic copies of several pages 

 of the manuscript to Dr. A. J. Thompson, computer and well-known 

 editor of "Logarithmetica Britannica," for his expert appraisal, not for- 

 getting to remind him that he himself had anticipated our idea by several 

 years. His friendly and commendatory letter, including many suggested 

 improvements, was a valuable aid and probably the deciding factor in the 

 difficult task of promoting the publication of the tables. 



We are deeply indebted to the Research Corporation of New York 

 for the generous grant of funds to the Smithsonian Institution that made 

 possible the publication of this book and also to Dr. Alexander Wetmore, 

 Secretary of the Smithsonian, through whose interest and efforts the publi- 

 cation of the tables was undertaken by the Institution. Not only was Dr. 

 Wetmore chiefly responsible for negotiating the financing of the publica- 

 tion, but he and his editorial staff have been most helpful in seeing the 

 volume through the press. 



G. W. S. 

 R. M. S. 

 Oxford, Ohio, 

 June 24, 1951. 



