Tables Adapted for Machine Computation [Discussion]

The simplicity and ease of operation of the tables of logarithms presented by Mr. Perryman at the November meeting are best appreciated after one has attempted to calculate annuity values with the tables and calculating machines to be found in the average office. In our own office we have frequent occasion to calculate present values of annuities in connection with estimating the effect of changes in the benefit provisions of a compensation act, or, as was recently the case in Arkansas, in setting up the initial compensation rates under a newly enacted compensation law. It is customary to assume an interest rate of 3(1/2)% for these calculations and simple annuities certain are used for dismemberment schedule cases. These values have been set up in a table of values of "one per week" for various periods from one week to 832 weeks.