算盘起源于中国,人们常常把算盘的发明与中国古代四大发明相提并论,认为算盘也是中华民族对人类的一大贡献。在近代,算盘被用作早期电子计算机的数学模型,因此有人称它为“最古老的计算机”。在电子计算器和计算机已经普及的今天,古老的算盘受到了巨大的冲击,但是它并没有被废弃,反而因为其灵便、准确等优点,在许多行业领域内仍然发挥着重要作用。 Abacus originated in China. People often compare the invention of abacus with the four great inventions of ancient China and argue that abacus is also a great contribution made by the Chinese nation to mankind. In modern times, abacus was used as a mathematical model of early computer, so some people call it “the oldest computer.” Today, with the popularity of electronic calculators and computers, the ancient abacus has had a huge impact. However, it has not been abandoned. Instead, it has played an important role in many fields of industry because of its merits and conveniences.