A simple calculator for direct conversion of chemical values; interconversion of milliequivalents per liter with milligrams per hundred cubic centimeters and volumes per cent.

Abstract

The importance of fluid and electrolyte balance studies in modern medicine cannot be overestimated. In almost all fields of medicine, some application of the principles of this science is known. Calculations and imbalances are most satisfactorily worked out in milliequivalents per liter. Unfortunately, laboratory results are most often reported in volumes per cent and milligrams per 100 cc. To convert these values to milliequivalents per liter requires much time and effort. A simple modification of an ordinary slide rule that can be effected in a few minutes facilitates the conversion to such an extent that what once took arduous hours can be done in seconds. The calculator is an ordinary slide rule or two opposed logarithmic scales (logarithmic graph paper will do) with marks made on the D scale so that, when the number 1 on the C scale is opposed to a mark, the C scale is related to