What is ABACUS?
An abacus is a device used for mathematical calculations –addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. There are two basic forms for the abacus; a specially marked flat surface used with counters (counting table) or a frame with beads strung on wires.
Then name abacus derives from the Greek word “abax” meaning table or board coverd with dust. The origins of the abacus are traced to the early Middle Ages in the Middle East. The model developed during that period had a wooden frame with several wires, each strung with 10 beads.

It is known that in its ‘modern’ form seven beads per string- the abacus appeared in China between the 12th and 13th century AD.

Student say that Chinese took gives them that winning edge

Abacus is no longer just a calculating tool for performing arithmetic processes. This Chinese tool seems to have won many fans here, both among parents and children. Students completing all the levels, which vary from ten to twelve, are finding it easy to crack competitive exams, mostly the ones that involves mathematical skills – at least that is what parents and teachers will tell you.
Due to its unconventional mode of teaching, abacus helps a person to understand arithmetic functions better that any other way – thanks to the colorful beads of abacus, that help in understanding calculations and in giving a good foundation. At a time when parents do not bat an eyelid to spend a few thousands for enrolling their children in summer camps, that may not do much to improve their skills – abacus learning, even though it comes at a price, can do some good.

Source: bangaloremirror

[...Far away in Africa the magician remembered Aladdin, and by his
magic arts discovered that Aladdin, instead of perishing miserably in
the cave, had escaped, and had married a princess, with whom he was
living in great honour and wealth. He knew that the poor tailor's son
could only have accomplished this by means of the lamp, and travelled
night and day till he reached the capital of China, bent on Aladdin's
ruin. As he passed through the town he heard people talking everywhere
about a marvellous palace.

"Forgive my ignorance," he asked, "what is this palace you speak of?"

"Have you not heard of Prince Aladdin's palace," was the reply, "the
greatest wonder of the world? I will direct you if you have a mind to
see it."

The magician thanked him who spoke, and having seen the palace knew
that it had been raised by the genie of the lamp, and became half mad
with rage. He determined to get hold of the lamp, and again plunge
Aladdin into the deepest poverty.

Unluckily, Aladdin had gone a-hunting for eight days, which gave the
magician plenty of time. He bought a dozen copper lamps, put them into
a basket, and went to the palace, crying: "New lamps for old!"
followed by a jeering crowd.

The princess, sitting in the hall of four-and-twenty windows, sent a
slave to find out what the noise was about, who came back laughing, so
that the princess scolded her.

"Madam," replied the slave, "who can help laughing to see an old fool
offering to exchange fine new lamps for old ones?"

Another slave, hearing this, said: "There is an old one on the cornice
there which he can have."

Now this was the magic lamp, which Aladdin had left there, as he could
not take it out hunting with him. The princess, not knowing its value,
laughingly bade the slave take it and make the exchange.

She went and said to the magician: "Give me a new lamp for this."

He snatched it and bade the slave take her choice, amid the jeers of
the crowd. Little he cared, but left off crying his lamps, and went
out of the city gates to a lonely place, where he remained till
nightfall, when he pulled out the lamp and rubbed it. The genie
appeared, and at the magician's command carried him, together with the
palace and the princess in it, to a lonely place in Africa...]

- Arabian Nights