Galley division
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In arithmetic, the galley method, also known as the batello or the scratch method, was the most widely used method of division in use prior to 1600. The names galea and batello refer to a boat which the outline of the work was thought to resemble.
An earlier version of this method was used as early as 825 by Al-Khwarizmi. The Galley method is thought to be Hindu in origin and is most effective when used on a sand abacus.
The galley method is faster than long division, and results in interesting shapes and pictures. It was the preferred method of division for 17 centuries longer than long division's 4 centuries.
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[edit] How it works
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[edit] Modern usage
It was the favorite method of division with arithmeticians through the 18th century and it is thought that it fell out of use due to the lack of cancelled types in printing. It is still taught in the Moorish schools of North Africa and other parts of the Middle East.
