"Seeing there is nothing that is so troublesome to mathematical practice, nor that doth more molest and hinder calculators, than the multiplications, divisions, square and cubical extractions of great numbers. [...] I began therefore to consider in my mind by what certain and ready art I might remove those hindrances." (John Napier, "Mirifici logarithmorum canonis descriptio", 1614)
"A Logarithmic Table is a small table by the use of which we can obtain a knowledge of all geometrical dimensions and motions in space, by a very easy calculation. It is deservedly called very small, because it does not exceed in size a table of sines; very easy, because by it all multiplications, divisions, and the more difficult extractions of roots are avoided; for by only a very few most easy additions, subtractions, and divisions by two, it measures quite generally all figures and motions." (John Napier, "The Construction of the Wonderful Canon of Logarithms", 1889)
"And if any number of equals to a first sine be multiplied together producing a second, just so many equals to the Logarithm of the first added together produce the Logarithm of the second." (John Napier, "The Construction of the Wonderful Canon of Logarithms", 1889)
"Any desired geometrical mean between two sines has for its Logarithm the corresponding arithmetical mean between the Logarithms of the sines." (John Napier, "The Construction of the Wonderful Canon of Logarithms", 1889)
"To decrease geometrically is this, that in equal times, first the whole quantity then each of its successive remainders is diminished, always by a like proportional part." (John Napier, "The Construction of the Wonderful Canon of Logarithms", 1889)
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