Eric, Here (at long last) is my loose translation of the use and care sheet you received with your Russian slide rule. (Did I mention that it's a loose translation? It's really almost more a paraphrase than a translation. I'm not a Russian language expert, although I'll do in a pinch, most days.) Disclaimers: If a real Russian speaker comes along and disagrees with any of this, he or she is definitely more correct. I cannot take responsibility for any disastrous results that may arise from making use of the following flawed information. Use the text below in any way you please, but you do so at your own risk. Without further ado: The Ministry of Instrumentation, Means of Automation and System Management Union of Electronicists (?) The 'Red' Working order of Kiev renowned [or famous] factory of electronic calculating and management machines [Their address in Kiev:] Number Four, Great Circle, Kiev-175, 252175 One-sided Logarithmic Calculating Slide Rule LSLO - 250 - 10P GOST5161-72 [meaning it conforms to standard 5161-72, I believe] Instructions for Use 1. Technical Offering The logarithmic calculating slide rule is intended for execution of mathematic extraction of (roots?), figuring trigonometric functions and also for combinations of [such] activity. Accuracy [or precision] of calculation of the slide rule is three significant figures. 2. Complete Supplies Comes with these parts: Logarithmic Calculating Slide Rule - 1 piece Case (or Sheath) - 1 piece Operation Instructions - 1 piece 3. Make-up of the Equipment (or 'Making' or 'Production' of the Equipment) [This section probably makes the least sense, because it has a lot of technical terms in it that are not in my dictionary. Obviously, I need a better dictionary. I guessed at which terms meant 'cursor' and 'slide', for example, and I think I chose wisely, but I'm not too sure.] The slide rule's body is made with moveable cursor with spring. On the inclined side of the body there are marks measuring 0 to 270 mm. On the face of the body and (other?) side is a moveable slide marked with a calculating scale of 10. On cursor (slide?) is marked one principal [or 'main'] (middle or long) in 4 auxiliary scales. [Don't ask me what that means. It gets easier after this, though, so bear with me.] For determination of square of circle the task is assumed diameter scales q and d (d - coincides with the main scale). For conversion of kilowatt-hours to horsepower, auxiliary scales KW and PS will serve. In the capacity of instruction [or guidance], to gain study and practice calculation activity, the following literature is recommended: D.Y. Panov, "The Calculating Slide Rule" S.I. Byeryezin, "The Logarithmic Calculating Slide Rule" N.N. Kobozyev, "The Logarithmic Slide Rule" and other manuals. 4. Right Use and Storage In working with the rule, be careful to not apply excessive strain, and protect it [literally: 'her'] from blows [shock, impact] and dirt. Never polish the slide rule with materials that dissolve plastic: acetone, gasoline, chlorinated hydrocarbons, etc. The rule needs to be kept in the case in a dry place, defended [protected] from the influence of the sun's rays and heat emissions. 5. Possible Problems and Methods for Eliminating [them] [Table] Name of Disrepair; Likely Cause; Method to Fix/Eliminate 1. (Name of Disrepair) Slide falls out by near-vertical position of slide rule, or appears/emerges shamefully between the body of the rule and the slide. [I take this to mean 'Slide is too loose'. Their version is more interesting, though. Or I just need a different dictionary.] (Likely Cause) Compensating spring weakly/poorly squeezes body of the slide rule with respect to [or in relation to] the slide. (Method for Eliminating) Nearly remove cursor and slide and compress the body of the rule with the right side. 2. (Name of Disrepair) Fatigue or stiffness moving slide. (Likely Cause and Method for Eliminating appear to be the same as for number 1 above.) 6. Certification of Device One-sided Logarithmic Calculating Slide Rule LSLO - 250 - 10P conforming to GOST [standard?] 5161-72 and declared suitable for use. 7. Guarantee of Liability Manufacturing facility guarantees the slide rule to work smoothly for 18 months from the date of purchase with proper maintenance and storage of the slide rule, with conformance to requirements present in these instructions. [I think you already knew about the four stamp areas being the date of manufacture, the department approving, the date of purchase and the name of the state-run store in which you purchased it.] That's all, folks. I have to say, it was an interesting activity, especially since I learned about how important it is to keep your slide rule from emerging shamefully. (Good advice in any country, if you ask me.) That section could also be saying that if you hold the slide rule vertically and the cursor slides on its own down to one end, you need to adjust the spring somehow. Take care, Gil