Abacus

Abacuses were a type of tool for performing mathematical calculations of sums and other simple operations that combined numbers, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It was not possible to perform complex equations upon them.

Description
An abacus consisted of a rectangular, wooden frame that typically measured around  by  across. Inside these frames were several heavy wires, tightly strung parallel to one another. Strung on each of these wires were typically ten wooden balls. By manipulating these balls, a user could perform perform simple mathematical operations.

Notable Abacuses

 * Abacus of calculation
 * Occultant abacus



Classes

 * Artificers often owned an abacus.
 * Digitalogists often used abacuses.

Groups

 * Abacuses were a commonly used item among many sages throughout the Realms.

Individuals

 * Medar Klun

Nations

 * In the empire of Shou Lung, abacuses were a commonly used accounting tool.

Appearances

 * Novels
 * The Ring of Winter
 * Video Games
 * Sword Coast Legends