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Re: The Essence of Mathematica

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg37143] Re: [mg37134] The Essence of Mathematica
• From: Richard Palmer <mapsinc at bellatlantic.net>
• Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 05:56:24 -0400 (EDT)
• Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com

I think a better place to look for the essential aspects of Mathematica are
in rule application, pattern matching, and mathematical knowledge.  I will
be interested in hearing what other people have to say.

Richard Palmer

On 10/12/02 5:05 AM, "Steven" <hattons at speakeasy.net> wrote:

> I'm attempting to identify the essential aspects of Mathematica.  I believe
> the 
> place to start is with the 'functional operations'.  I'm seeking the
> 'basis' of Mathematica.  Kind of the orthonormal subset of functionality
> which can be used to derive all the other.  I'm also trying to be
> pragmatic.  I'm not trying to reinvent Mathematica, I'm just trying to
> understand 
> the invention that already exists.
> 
> If anyone is interested in seeing what I've gathered so far, I have a
> notebook in both HTML, and Mathematica (4.2, if that matters) notebook format
> available here:
> 
> http://public.globalsymmetry.com/proprietary/com/wri/notebooks/with-gif/essent
> ial/essential.nb
> http://public.globalsymmetry.com/proprietary/com/wri/notebooks/with-gif/essent
> ial/index.html
> 
> Please let me know if you have any problems accessing these. The sysadmin is
> kind of new at running a DNS server.  The server may go down for a while at
> sometime in the near future for an upgrade (SuSE Linux 8.0 -> 8.1).
> Ideally that should take about an hour... and then there's reality...
> 
> What I'm hoping for is some constructive feedback regarding my selection of
> functions.  I am aware that I've neglected the more advanced use of these
> functions such as level specification.  I'm trying to keep things as simple
> as possible.  I'm not looking for the obfuscated Mathematica challenge.  Not
> just 
> yet.  I'm seeking the examples which, if correctly understood, will make
> other Mathematica functionality fall into place.  I believe there is also a
> set of 
> 'procedural operators' which can properly be treated separately.  I hope to
> get to them soon.
> 
> I know I've received some very good feedback on other questions I've asked
> on the news group.  I owe people responses to their thoughtful input.  I
> hope to address these soon.  I am very grateful to all who have responded
> to my questions.
> 
> STH