
Napier's Bones
Napier's Bones is an old mathematical tool created by John Napier to simplify multiplication and division. It consists of a set of numbered rods, called "bones," each with a grid of multiplication results for a specific digit. By arranging these rods and combining their values, users can quickly perform complex calculations without extensive mental effort. Essentially, it helps in breaking down and organizing multiplication tasks into manageable parts, making arithmetic more efficient before calculators existed.