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Re: Data functions (like ElementData) and physical units

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg83057] Re: Data functions (like ElementData) and physical units
• From: John Jowett <John.M.Jowett at gmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 05:11:12 -0500 (EST)
• References: <fgs95u$56i$1@smc.vnet.net><fgurt5$roi$1@smc.vnet.net>

On Nov 8, 12:28 pm, Chris  Chiasson <chris.chias... at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Nov 7, 5:56 am, John Jowett <John.M.Jow... at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>SNIP>
> I am self-censoring my comments about the overall utility of the data
> functions (and the physical constants package) for real work.

Chris, I have to remark that I find these packages very useful for my
work (I'm not sure if that counts as "real work" ...).   And I think
the data functions are a beautiful idea.

However I do use a package of my own to enhance PhysicalConstants.  It
creates protected symbolic versions of the constants (like c for
SpeedOfLight) which don't evaluate numerically until you apply N[ ] to
them (just like Pi or E) so physical formulas don't immediately
collapse into a mixture of symbols, numbers and units.  Working with
units, dimension checking, etc. is often very convenient in physics.

It is presently being adapted for Version 6 but will soon be ready.

John