[1]The ordinary form of graphic chart plotted on rectangular co-*ordinate paper with the natural or arithmetical spacing of the lines has some serious limitations which may cause a chart to be misleading. The true function of such a chart is to portray comparative fluctuations. This desired result is secured clearly and satisfactorily when the factors or quantities compared are of nearly the same value or volume, but analysis will show that the result is not accomplished when the amounts compared differ greatly in value or volume. The extent or degree of the fluctuation as indicated on the ordinary chart depends in a measure on the proximity of the curves to the top or bottom of the chart. The chart registers the actual change in the value rather than the ratio or percentage of change. The wider the range of scale the greater the variation between the actual and the relative changes.
This same criticism applies to charts which employ two or more scales for various records or curves. If the different scales are in proper proportion the result is the same as with one scale, but when two or more scales are used which are not proportional, an indication which is absolutely false may be given with respect to comparative fluctuation. Charts made on a percentage basis are used to some extent in graphic work, and these correct the deficiency in the ordinary chart by showing the changes in the percentages of increase or decrease. In correcting one deficiency, however, another is introduced. The percentage scale gives no clue to the magnitude of the quantities represented by a curve. The true proportions of relative changes are shown, but the actual values are not indicated. The use of the percentage scale also requires considerable labor for computing the percentages of change.
As a substitute for the ordinary (or natural) scale and for the scale of percentages, as well as for compound scales, the logarithmic scale, or scale of ratios, practically meets all the requirements. The logarithmic scale permits the exhibition of both actual and relative values and actual and relative fluctuations. While some knowledge of logarithms will make plain certain features which otherwise are hard to understand, no special knowledge of higher mathematics is essential to the use of the logarithmic scale. The principles involved are the same as those embodied in the slide rule, and any treatise on the slide
- ↑ Portions of this discussion on charts plotted by the logarithmic scale are adapted from an article by W. J. Cunningham, in the Railway Age Gazette, June 25, 1909.
