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Re: ElementData[] Problems

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg106658] Re: ElementData[] Problems
• From: David Bailey <dave at removedbailey.co.uk>
• Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:44:48 -0500 (EST)
• References: <hjmjc3$a2$1@smc.vnet.net>

Sean McConnell wrote:
> Hi, whenever I try to use ElementData[], Mathematica keeps returning
> $Failed.
> 
> Do I need to load a particular package before using it like I would with
> <<PhysicalConstants` ?
> 
> Thanks for the help!
> 
> Sean.
> 
> 
All the 'paclet' data sets use the internet to obtain and update their 
information. This seems to mean that:

1)  The first time one is used (or maybe used in a different way), you 
must be connected to the internet. The information is then cached locally.

2)  Subsequently, you can retrieve data without an internet connection, 
but if you have a weak connection Mathematica may start to access the 
internet for any updates and then fail if the connection breaks!

I have found it best to retrieve any information required by a program, 
and then store it locally for subsequent use by the program - thus 
making my software independent of the internet.

David Bailey
http://www.dbaileyconsultancy.co.uk