Historical information

The abacus has been used by many civilisations, and is still in use today. Its origin is masked in the depths of time, but it is believed to have originated in crude form around the years c.2500 BCE. It is interesting to note that this abacus, although in use in Australian schools, contains ten rows, each containing ten beads, suggesting that it was heavily influenced by the decimal system. The number 12 was quite prominent in Australia, no doubt introduced by the British during the first settlements. It's use, as in dozens, twelve shillings in the pound and twelve inches in a foot, was widespread until decimalisation in 1966. Even today, many items are sold in dozens or sixes.

Significance

Before more sophisticated adding machines and then calculators were developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, the abacus would have been in worldwide use.

Physical description

Abacus or counting frame with ten rows, each containing ten wooden beads.

Inscriptions & markings

None