Abu’s humility
Aditya Rishi

The calculus is the story this [the Western] world first told itself as it became the modern world. — David Berlinski

LATER "the calculator" to Mr Processor "the computer": "I remember a time when Abacus Abu revealed his weaknesses to me when I thought it had none." Mr Processor: "I see, that’s what made you an abacus fan." "Exactly," says Later. Mr Processor: "How did the meeting happen and what did Abu say to you when you met him so?" Later: "I was sad after having been beaten by abacus in Tokyo when it approached me and said, at times, using a calculator proved more time-saving than using an abacus, as an abacus required the user to have the knowledge of arithmetic and the ability to move beads in a proper sequence to obtain the result."

"Unless one is a skilled abacus operator with a number of years spent in practice, chances are an electronic calculator will give results quicker than an abacus, especially in solving problems of root extraction, vector analysis and trigonometry etc."

"Calculating on abacus helps users develop mental numeric concepts, something which a calculator cannot help you achieve. It is possible to demonstrate place value on abacus by adding a digit, or set of digits, to itself or themselves ten times, which shows movement to the left by one place. Abacus does not require any electricity to run and can be used under extreme conditions. When there is a power outage, you and I (computer and calculator) can be used only as paper-weights, but abacus was used even when people had not even heard of electricity. It does not require any programming to perform trigonometric or other functions, but a calculator would need that. However, the limitation of the abacus depends upon the knowledge and ability of the user."

"Abacuses or abaci can also be connected in series. If large numbers need to be calculated or a complex operation is to be performed, two or more abacuses or abaci can be joined and treated as one, which cannot be done with a calculator. In examinations, those being tested are not permitted the use of calculators, because calculators can be programmed with formulae, which makes problem-solving automatic and no longer dependent on the knowledge of the candidate. The abacus, however, offers no more aid or comfort than a pencil and a paper; and it cannot be programmed."

"By making laborious calculations for it, computers and calculators give the human mind a rest, while abacus gives the human mind some exercise. When not used for a long time, mind begins to lose abilities. However, because the mind is an equal player when you operate an abacus, it remains in good shape forever. Abu’s humility floored me." (To be continued; write at The Tribune or adityarishi99@yahoo.co.in)